On May 9 and 10, 2007 various local and regional emergency management officials gathered in Bossier City at the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness for a state wide computerized command post exercise about an approaching fictional category 3 hurricane named “Dean.”

Eleven new CERT members graduated on Saturday, May 5, 2007, after completing 20 hours of training.  Classroom training was completed over four weeks at the Shreveport Fire Department Training Academy.  The disaster drill allowed new and previously trained CERT volunteers to test their skills in simulated emergency scenarios at the Shreveport Fire Department Training Academy. 

Eleven new CERT members graduated on Saturday, May 27, 2006, after completing 20 hours of training.  Classroom training was completed over four weeks at the Bossier City Police Department Training Academy.  The disaster drill allowed new and previously trained CERT volunteers to test their skills in simulated emergency scenarios at the Bossier City Fire Department Training Academy.  More than ten previously trained CERT members participated in the drill as a refresher exercise.   

Students participated in 20 hours of classroom instruction and hands-on disaster preparedness training during three weeks in December.

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 the 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 citizens to help themselves, their family, and their neighbors in the event of a catastrophic disaster. Because emergency services personnel will not be able to help everyone immediately, citizens can make a difference by using CERT training to save lives and protect property.