PICKENS — The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills.

Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

The group plans to hold a basic training class on June 7 from 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m. and on June 8 and 9 from 8 a.m..-4 p.m. Classes are held at the Pickens County Emergency operations center at 1509 Walhalla Highway just west of Pickens.

For more information contact Melanie Davis at 864-270-3026 or email us at pickenscert@gmail.com

CERT are also on Facebook at PickensCERT