Park County Homeland Security is seeking individuals interested in volunteering for a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The team educates individuals about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact the Park County area.

CERT became a national program in 1993 and there are now more than 2,700 programs across all 50 states, many tribal nations and U.S. territories; more than 600,000 people have been trained.

“Each team is unique to its community and all are essential to building a culture of preparedness in the United States,” the Department of Homeland Security says.

Volunteers from Park County will be trained in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations.

“Participants will have the opportunity to be a part of disaster recovery in our community and see the positive impacts of their assistance,” said a news release from the Park County Sheriff’s Office, which oversees the local Homeland Security office. “On top of the technical skills, CERT is an excellent way for members of the community to meet and build a network of relationships before disaster strikes.”

The free initial training course is 20 hours and is taught by a variety of emergency management professionals and includes an extensive use of hands-on exercises. After the initial training, monthly meetings are held to develop, practice and hone the learned skills as well as learn new ones. Individuals from all backgrounds and skill levels are welcome.

For more information — including a training outline and application — visit www.parkcounty.us/OHS/cert.html or contact the Park County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management at 307-527-1860. Space in the training course is limited, with spots filled on a first-come, first-served basis.