Quicklinks
Texas Counties Deliver – learn how county government serves you

 

Austin County logo

New CERT Trailer

Austin County Citizens Corp was the recipient of a response trailer for use by CERT (Citizens Emergency Response Team)  through a grant application process through Texas Regional Council of Governments.    CERT members attending the June 8 emergency readiness briefing are pictured with the trailer.  These as well as over fifty other members have participated in training for community preparedness and response and family safety as part of homeland security preparedness. For information call 979 865 5911.

Disaster strikes – If available, emergency services personnel are the best trained and equipped to handle emergencies, and you should use them.  However, following a catastrophic disaster, you and your community may be on your own for a period of time because of the size of the area affected, lost communications, and impassable roads.  CERT training is designed to prepare you to help yourself, your family, and your neighbors in the event of a catastrophic disaster.  Because emergency services personnel may not be able to help everyone immediately, you can make a difference by participation in the CERT program.  Austin County is accepting enrollment for the 14th set of CERT classes.  The sessions completed include basic self-help, first aid, and other functions of disaster response and fire safety.  Classes will begin in the fall of 2013 at 7 p.m. and those attending the ten modules will receive a CERT kit consisting of a first aid kit, flashlight, gloves and several emergency items.  
Visit 
www.austincounty.com or call County Judge Tim Lapham or Ray Chislett at 979-865-5911.





Citizens Corps background

Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, state and local governmentofficials have increased opportunities for citizens to become an integral part of protecting the homeland and supporting the local first responders. Officials agree that the formula for ensuring a more secure and safer homeland consists of preparedness, training, and citizen involvement in supporting first responders. In January 2002, President George W. Bush launched USA Freedom Corps, to capture the spirit of service that has emerged throughout our communities following the terrorist attacks.

Citizen Corps, a vital component of USA Freedom Corps, was created to help coordinate volunteer activities that make our communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to any emergency situation. It provides opportunities for people to participate in a range of measures to make their families, their homes, and their communities safer from the threats of crime, terrorism, and disasters of all kinds.

Citizen Corps programs build on the successful efforts that are in place in many communities around the country to prevent crime and respond to emergencies. Programs that started through local innovation are the foundation for Citizen Corps and this national approach to citizen participation in community safety.

Citizen Corps is coordinated nationally by the Department of Homeland Security. In this capacity, DHS works closely with other federal entities, state and local governments, first responders and emergency managers, the volunteer community, and the White House Office of the USA Freedom Corps.