Major Alan Doss of Gwinnett Police said his agency will use the funds for planning, equipment, and training for local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers. CERT volunteers learn first aid and a variety of emergency response skills so they can help themselves and their neighbors until police, fire or medical responders arrive.
The federal Citizens Corps grant program is designed to strengthen planning and citizen preparedness capabilities to deal with natural, technical or manmade catastrophes including severe storms, pandemic flu and terrorist incidents. Almost $15 million is being distributed nationally under the program.
"No local match is required, so we're grateful for these grants that will help us prepare residents for various emergency situations that could occur," said Board Chairman Charles Bannister.
Gwinnett County's Homeland Security/Emergency Management Agency combines local efforts to combat terrorism with emergency management functions previously handled by the fire department. The goal is to prepare for, mitigate, respond to and recover from both natural and manmade disasters.
For more information on emergency training, contact Kathy Wilson at 770.513.5227 or Kathy.Wilson@gwinnettcounty.com.
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