Ranch looking for emergency volunteers

A training session for emergency volunteers at Lakewood Ranch.. (provided photo)

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Knock on wood, our community has been fortunate the last few hurricane season.

We've not seen anything recently like the menace of 2004-2005.

That said, the Lakewood Ranch Community Emergency Response Team is seeking members to join neighborhood search and rescue teams.

There is a new 4-session training class is set for Nov. 3 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall. The class will cover emergency first aid, family disaster protection, fire safety and search and rescue skills. The training will be conducted by instructors from East Manatee Fire Rescue, Manatee County Paramedics, and Lakewood Ranch CERT trainers.

The organization currently has 185 trained volunteers on 27 teams, but needs additional members to reach its goal of a team in every Lakewood Ranch neighborhood.

 Membership is open to Lakewood Ranch residents who are interested in learning valuable skills to help their families and their neighbors in times of emergencies.  The training and emergency equipment are provided at no cost.

To register for the course, or for more information, email lwr.cert@gmail.com.