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How to Join the |
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Any adult resident of Damascus may join the Damascus Emergency Preparedness Team (DEPT). The principal qualifications for membership are a strong commitment to the concept of preparedness and a willingness to unfailingly contribute the time that it takes to become a skilled and qualified Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteer. |
| CERT training is modeled on disaster preparedness concepts pioneered in California in 1984. The idea spread to Florida, and since Sept. 11, 2001 the federal government has promoted community disaster preparedness nationally. The Montgomery County program is funded through a Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) grant to the state. |
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CERT classes are held periodically at the media center at Damascus High School. The first DEPT class "graduated" on October 23, 2004 and was the first group from one area to complete the course. So far the county has trained some 70 volunteers. |
| Spaces are available in most classes prior to their beginning. Registration forms are available online at www.MCFRS.org. |
| For more information, please contact DEPT president Paul Laing at plaing56@verizon.net |
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