The impact of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) continues to create uncertainty and concern both globally and here in our community. In accordance with University of Illinois policy, Illinois Extension has deployed public health strategies designed to protect everyone’s health and safety. Effective Friday, March 13, all university-sponsored events with more than 50 anticipated attendees are suspended indefinitely.
How well a community responds to a disaster depends on how many people are trained in emergency response. These individuals must work together as a team to be effective and must be able to follow instructions from a central leader.
This Extension program provides training in Community Emergency Response (CERT) training for teens. The program, called My PI (My Preparedness Initiative), is designed to give teens from 13 to 19 years of age the basics needed to volunteer for emergency response within their community. The program will be conducted on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm, starting March 25 and running until May 6. In addition, there will be two Saturday sessions from 9 to noon on April 11 and May 2. Most sessions will be held at the Morgan County Extension office, 104 North Westgate in Jacksonville.
Teens accepted into the program will learn about disaster preparedness, fire safety, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, and several other topics. Many activities involving local first responders will be included.