Glen Burnie High School’s Signature Program, Public Service, supported by Assistance Principal, Doris Woodruff, and U.S. Government and Criminal Justice teacher, Rick Runner, has teamed with Anne Arundel – Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (AAACERT) to educate students in emergency preparedness and response. This 20½-hour training program included modules in emergency preparedness, basic first aid, light search and rescue, and small fire suppression and was taught by AAACERT certified volunteer instructors.

“This was a great opportunity for Glen Burnie High School students to learn practical skills that they can use to protect their families and neighbors in the spirit of public service,” Woodruff said.

The students received the same instruction as adult CERT volunteers. At the end of instruction, they participated in a full-scale disaster scenario held at the Anne Arundel County Fire Training Academy in Millersville. The students interacted with volunteer disaster victims who acted the part and had simulated wounds. Completion of the course resulted in a nationally recognized certification for nine GBHS students and teacher.

“We are excited to bring our Basic CERT training to Glen Burnie High School this semester,” said John Schirrippa, AAACERT Training Chair. “We relaunched our teen training last spring with the Anne Arundel County Police Explorers, and have now expanded our community support to the public high schools.”

AAACERT is a volunteer-based 501(c)3 nonprofit that, when activated by the county Office of Emergency Management, supports first responders in the event of a widespread emergency.  At other times, they provide traffic management services for city and county events, act as parade marshals, provide call center support, and, as noted above, provide emergency preparedness and response training to interested community members. For more information, visit www.aaacert.org.