Gordon County 4-H will again be offering the My Preparedness Initiative (MyPI) youth training class in Georgia. Gordon County is one of only eight counties in the state that offers the program. MyPI, a two-time national award winning program, will be led by 4-H Agent, Allie Griner, and Gordon County Fire Chief and Training Chief and 4-H Volunteers, Doug Ralston and Nathan Saylors.
The MyPI training will be a one week, three component program for youth to be trained for leadership in emergency preparedness and disaster management. In Component A, teenagers will complete the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency-certified Teen CERT training and corresponding modules focusing on Disaster Preparedness, Fire Safety and Utility Control, Disaster Medical Operations, Light Search and Rescue, CERT Organization, Disaster Psychology, and Terrorism and CERT. In Component B, the Add-On Catalog features certification in CPR and AED usage, along with a technology track comprised of awareness programs focusing on HAM Radio, NOAA Weather Radio, Smoke Alarm Maintenance, and Smart Phone App and Social Media in Emergency Preparedness. The Add-On Catalog also includes a Disaster Simulation, and a Career Track that focuses on public safety, fire service, and emergency management careers. The final element of the program, Component C, includes a comprehensive family and community service project entitled PREP + 6 in which each participant helps develop emergency supply kits and emergency communication plans for their family AND 6 additional families or households. This component allows for significant enhancement in individual, family, and community preparedness and resilience. To graduate from the program, students must complete all components. Graduates of this program will have certifications in Teen CERT, CPR/AED, National Weather Service Storm Spotters, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Incident Management System.
The program is open to youth in 8th-12th grade and participants will be chosen based on an application process. Applications are available at this link. Gordon County 4-H will accept youth training applications until Friday, March 5, with classes being held each day during the week of spring break, April 5-9. Youth receive six certifications, 30 hours of community service, and a variety of professional contacts in the public safety sector. To find out more about this youth preparedness training and how teens can be involved, contact the Gordon County Extension/4-H Office at 706-629-8685 or email Allie Griner at allie723@uga.edu.
