The Mississippi Office of Homeland Security hosted a Teen Community Emergency Response Team Challenge that drew more than 360 students from across the state, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety said in a Facebook post.
Officials said the event focused on building critical emergency response skills through hands-on activities, teamwork and leadership development. The department said the gathering was another successful installment of the Teen CERT program.
The Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, program was developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to train volunteers in basic disaster response skills such as disaster preparedness, fire safety, light search and rescue, and first aid. Many states and local jurisdictions run youth and adult CERT programs to strengthen community resilience and expand the pool of trained volunteers available during emergencies.
State officials said the event offers students practical experience and leadership training that can help communities respond to disasters. “We are proud to see the next generation stepping up and learning how to serve!” the department said in the post. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
