News Summary
In response to past disasters, Spartanburg County has initiated a free training program through the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The program aims to equip residents with essential emergency management skills, coinciding with Governor Henry McMaster’s declaration of August as Emergency Management Awareness Month. Over the years, CERT has trained nearly 2,000 citizens, emphasizing community involvement and preparedness amidst potential disasters like Hurricane Helene.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – In a proactive response to past disasters, the Spartanburg County Emergency Management has launched a free training program aimed at equipping the community with essential emergency preparedness skills. This initiative coincides with Governor Henry McMaster’s declaration of August as Emergency Management Awareness Month, focusing on building awareness and resilience among residents.
Last year, Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across the Upstate and western North Carolina, deemed by Emergency Management Coordinator Robbie Swofford as the most devastating disaster that Spartanburg County has faced to date. In light of this catastrophe, local officials have emphasized the importance of community preparedness to mitigate future risks.
The free training program offered by Spartanburg County is known as the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Through the program, community members will learn vital skills that can make a significant difference during emergencies, especially when first responders are occupied with life-threatening situations.
Training Content and Schedule
The curriculum for the CERT training covers a broad spectrum of essential emergency management topics, including:
- Personal preparedness
- Medical triage
- Basic first aid
- “Stop the bleed” techniques
- Search and rescue
- Incident command
- Disaster psychology
- Terrorism response
Anyone in the community can participate in the training, which is scheduled for Saturday, August 16, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. This session marks the third training class in 2025 and the 96th since the CERT program’s inception in 2005.
Community Involvement and Volunteer Opportunities
The CERT program has had a substantial impact since its launch, with nearly 2,000 citizens trained in various emergency response skills. The program relies heavily on community volunteers to assist during disasters and is currently seeking more participants, particularly those interested in the medical field.
Volunteers like Dominic Saccetti have praised the CERT program, highlighting that the skills learned are not just theoretical but applicable to real-world scenarios. The training not only empowers individuals but strengthens community bonds by fostering a collaborative environment for emergency response.
Historical Context
Established in 2005, the CERT program has provided training to hundreds of individuals over the years, enhancing Spartanburg County’s overall emergency preparedness. The program serves as a clear indication of the county’s commitment to safety and resilience in the face of natural disasters and other potential emergencies.
As the community reflects on the lessons learned from Hurricane Helene, participation in the CERT training stands as a vital step for residents eager to empower themselves and contribute to safety efforts. By taking advantage of this free training opportunity, community members can play a crucial role in making Spartanburg County a safer place to live.
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Additional Resources
- WSPA: Spartanburg Co. Emergency Preparedness Training Empowers Community
- Fox Carolina: Spartanburg Co. Honors Multiple Counties for Hurricane Assistance
- Greenville Online: Six Months After Helene, Upstate SC Lives Changed Forever
- Go Upstate: Spartanburg County Shares Updates on Helene Debris Jobs
- Wikipedia: Emergency Management
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
