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MURPHY (June 3, 2011) Murphy Fire Rescue is putting plans in place to establish a CERT, Community Emergency Response Team, to assist public safety personnel in times of natural disaster, fire, search and rescue, crowd control and a wide variety of service-oriented activities, according to Fire Chief Mark Lee. <o:p></o:p>

“The CERT Program educates people about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic disaster response skills. The training gives these volunteers the ability to extend our resources in the event of a serious incident,” he said. <o:p></o:p>

Applications for the first class of CERT members are being accepted from now until June 30. The training, both classroom lecture and field instruction, begins on July 7 and runs through Aug. 20 on Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Lectures are held at the firehouse, 206 North Murphy Road. There is no cost to attend the training. <o:p></o:p>

“Following the initial phase of a disaster, residents might be required to care for themselves and each other for up to three days without additional resources. Neighborhood-based CERT teams are trained and equipped to help bridge that gap,” he added. <o:p></o:p>

Applicants are not required to have any previous training, but they must be at least 18 years of age and pass a background check. An online application form can be obtained by visiting the Fire Department page at www.murphytx.org and clicking on the CERT button. Interested individuals may also contact Murphy Fire Rescue at 972.468.4300 or email us at cert@murphytx.org. <o:p></o:p>

“The program is a way for Murphy citizens, many of whom are already accustomed to stepping forward to help, to gain some valuable training and instruction, thereby making us an even stronger community,” concluded the Chief.