The planning team for the diocesan Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program recently met at Catholic Social Services located on Oxmoor Road in Birmingham. The program educates volunteers on disaster preparedness and conducts training in basic disaster response skills. Jefferson County Emergency Management Association, Homewood Fire Department, and the diocesan Office of Disaster and Emergency Services are collaborating on the effort. Concerned community members, parents and caregivers, neighborhood leaders, teachers and school staff, faith-based groups, scouts, students, retirees, and anyone over the age of 14 who wants to help their community are invited to participate. Classes will be given in both English and Spanish. For more information, please contact Sister Gabriela Ramirez at 205.987.4771 or Alex Brewer at 205.205 837.2268.