September is National Preparedness Month, and the Office of Emergency Preparedness acknowledges it by equipping campus with the knowledge needed in a crisis situation.

Students, faculty and staff can become members of the Campus Emergency Response Team (CERT) by participating in a series of training sessions throughout the fall. 

“CERT is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number,” said Frank Stanley, emergency preparedness program coordinator. 

Participants will learn how to manage utilities and put out small fires; treat the “three killers” by opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock; provide basic medical aid; search for and rescue victims safely; and organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers for effective emergency management.

“The program is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens will be initially on their own and their actions can make a difference,” Stanley said.

Training begins Sept. 23 and continues through Nov. 13. Participants can choose from two time slots to attend a session once a week. Attendance at all sessions, as well as a final drill, is required for graduation from the course. 

To learn more about the program, visit c.gatech.edu/gtcert.