Grants Boost Response Training

Hernando County has more than 250 active volunteers on its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) who are trained to respond to emergencies and disasters.

In place since 2001, CERT has helped coastal residents during storm recovery efforts and performed other civic duties with little public recognition.

But the emergency that threatens now could take the form of an ax wielded by a budget-cutting state Legislature looking for any and all ways to trim expenses in this worsening economy.

County Commissioner Jim Adkins feared as much at the Dec. 16 business meeting when he asked the county's emergency management director what would happen if the state decides to cut these grants.

"I don't have a magic ball," replied EM Director Cecilia Patella.

Patella said there have been cutbacks in state grants and there are rumors of a decline in funding of some programs but as yet, nothing definite.

Hernando County, she said, has been successful in the past in securing CERT funding and, with the programs already in place, may be in a better position.

County Commissioner David Russell said he would hope the state recognizes that these grants are supportive of community volunteers and, without the funding, would place a burden on the county.

As Russell said, "we certainly couldn't afford to pay people to perform these services."

And it doesn't take a disaster to get these volunteers out.

Patella said CERT helps year-round on a variety of events, such as parades and breakfast gatherings.

"Just about every time we ask them to come out they do," she said.

The CERT program appears secure for another year, thanks to a $15,000 grant county commissioners approved last week.

A sister grant, for $7,500, will go to train emergency responders and emergency management personnel to take care of their families and neighbors before, during and after an emergency.

CERT volunteers receive training from Hernando County, Spring Hill and Brooksville fire department personnel.

Any resident can sign up to attend courses, held one night per week for seven weeks at an agreed-upon location between students and instructors.

The volunteers are taught disaster preparedness, fire suppression, medical operations, light search and rescue, psychology and team organization.

For more information about CERT or if interested in joining, call 754-4083.