The Sandy Springs Fire Rescue Department is looking for citizens to participate in the July training session of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

The month-long program, which meets weekly, teaches citizens disaster response skills like fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. With the training, people can act as first responders during emergencies before EMTs and firefighters arrive at the scene.

“Knowledge is power,” said James Laudermilk, who heads the CERT program. “You can never be too prepared in a crisis. We hope that we never have to use the team, but it’s a comfort to know they are there.”

Classes will be held July 1, 7, 10 and 20, from 8 a.m. to noon. The training is held at Sandy Springs Fire Station 4, 4697 Wieuca Road.

Register and find more information by clicking “CERT” at www.sandyspringsga.org. Another session will be held in August.