While it may not take place on a large scale very often, disasters and emergencies do happen in Pike County.

“In 95 percent of all emergencies, a victim or a bystander provides the first immediate assistance on the scene,” said Pike County Emergency Management Agency Director Jeanna Barnes.

That’s why the Pike County EMA and Troy University are partnering, courtesy of a grant received by the college, in a series of Community Emergency Response Team workshops.

The workshops will be beneficial to both individuals and companies, Barnes noted.

People who attend CERT training will achieve a better understanding of threats to their home, workplace and community and will also be able to step in and help local first responders in the event an emergency is overwhelming.

Because everyday people are usually the first on the scene of vehicle and workplace incidents, those with CERT training will be able to provide useful information to first responders when they arrive, Barnes said.

CERT members will learn basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, search and rescue, and some medical techniques.

The first CERT workshop will be an all-day event beginning at 8 a.m. at Troy University on Aug. 24.

“This will be the first of several we hold, so there will be multiple opportunities to take part in this potentially life-saving training,” Barnes said.

To register for the free class, send an email with a name, any company or organization a person represents, and a phone number to be contacted at to pikecoema@troycable.net.

Community leaders, business owners and employees, manufacturing facility representatives, educational leaders, volunteer organizations, parents, faith-based groups, county and city employees, utility workers and anyone with a desire to participate are encouraged to sign up.