On Saturday, May 17, the Queen Anne’s County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) wrapped up its Spring Basic Training session, celebrating the graduation of seven new participants.
The course, held over four consecutive Saturday afternoons, combined interactive tabletop discussions with hands-on training. Participants gained valuable skills in personal and community preparedness, situational awareness, communication, bystander intervention, basic first aid, Stop the Bleed, fire safety and prevention, and disaster mental health.
The training concluded with a comprehensive tabletop exercise, challenging participants to consider how residential communities might become isolated during a major emergency or disaster. The scenario emphasized the importance of local preparedness and the potential need for neighbors to support one another before professional responders arrive.
“I’m really glad I took the course. I learned so much useful information and gained new skills that will help me keep my family safe—and help others—in an emergency,” said graduate Nancy LaJoice. “It was well worth giving up four beautiful spring Saturdays, and that’s saying a lot! I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to be better prepared to protect their family or support their community during a crisis.”
“The CERT training is something everyone should consider,” added fellow graduate Terry Goodger. “It not only helps you prepare to protect your home and family, but also teaches you how to safely assist your community until first responders arrive. Shae is an outstanding instructor—knowledgeable, engaging, and relatable. She focuses on realistic scenarios that reflect what’s most likely to occur here in Queen Anne’s County.”
To learn more about the Queen Anne’s County CERT Program or to register for a future in-person or hybrid training session, visit www.qac.org/1313/CERT or contact Shae Parsley at sparsley@qac.org.