Georgia 4-H-ers get trained on how to help during natural disasters

In the past five years, Gordon County, Georgia, has dealt with its fair share of natural disasters. Tornadoes, winter weather, hurricanes, flooding and severe thunderstorms have all affected the county. In coping with these challenges, 4-H leaders with University of Georgia Extension realized an opportunity to train youth to be helpers when their community might need them during future weather events.

Gordon County’s 4-H Homeschool Club decided on emergency preparedness as a theme for the 2022-2023 school year. Each month, the 4-H-ers and their families took field trips to local entities such as the fire department, the 911 communications center and the American Red Cross.

Middle- and high-school aged participants completed an additional component: earning the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training with help from Gordon County Fire and Rescue, Gordon County Emergency Management Agency and Calhoun Fire Department. They learned about topics including disaster preparedness, fire safety and utility control, disaster medical operations and light search and rescue. They also participated in a simulated disaster scenario as a capstone experience.

Twenty-six youth and adult volunteers now have the CERT certification in the county, helping their community be better prepared for potential disasters.

Project supported by Smith-Lever and county funds.