If you're interested in helping your community and neighborhood during emergencies, take note of this free upcoming class. The Rockdale County Fire-Rescue (RCFR) and the Conyers-Rockdale Emergency Management Agency (EMA) are seeking interested citizens to serve in its next Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class.

All trainings will be held at the Rockdale Fire Training Annex, 2150 Iris Drive, Conyers, 30094. The tentative training schedule is:

Fri., March 6, 6-9 p.m.

Sat., March 7, 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Sun., March 8, 1-8 p.m.

The CERT program educates the public about disaster preparedness and hazards that impact their communities. Following the training, CERT members will be able to assist citizens in their neighborhoods and workplaces when professional responders are not immediately available to assist.

Last September, Conyers-Rockdale EMA hosted its first CERT training with 17 citizen-volunteers, covering disaster preparedness, fire safety, search and rescue, medical operations and team organization. The training provided to citizens insight into the first few critical hours following an emergency-related event and sustaining themselves and their families in emergency situations.

The training concluded Nov. 22 with a four-hour drill at Rockdale Career Academy, where volunteers practiced their new skills through hands-on scenarios.

To apply for the upcoming CERT class, please visit www.rockdalecounty.org. For more information, please contact Sharon Webb at 770-278-8453 or sharon.webb@rockdalecounty.org.