Blair County’s Department of Emergency Services is trying to revive its Community Emergency Response Team, which went mostly dormant several years ago due to COVID-19 and a requirement that members be drug-tested at their own expense.

COVID-19 has waned and the county commissioners have lifted the drug-testing requirement to match volunteer policies of other service organizations, so the way is clear for revival, according to department Director Mark Taylor.

“No Experience? No Problem,” states a recruiting flyer for the role of CERT volunteer, which involves providing supplementary help to professional responders during disasters and emergency situations — including shelter aid; distribution of food, water and other supplies; damage assessments; logistics and communications support; cleanup; and provision of care and emotional support, according to the flyer.

“Training is provided,” the flyer states. “All we need is your commitment, reliability and willingness to help when others need it most.”

Residents who are interested can call 814-940-5905, or they can use a smartphone to scan a QR code that will soon be on the department website.

While no drug testing is required, a background check is necessary, Taylor said.

The department would like to find a contingent of volunteers for each municipality, he said.

Ham radio operator Kevin Lear has been a CERT member for years and plans to continue.

His contributions have mainly been in communications, and he’s Blair County’s Auxiliary Communications Service officer, helping provide supplemental communication during emergencies and special events.

Lear enjoys the work, which becomes important when professional first responders are “busy with really big things,” he said. “When police, fire and EMS can’t get to them right away.”

Taylor, who spoke Thursday at a meeting of the Local Emergency Planning Committee, said it’s enjoyable to participate in important work as part of a group.

It provides satisfaction “knowing you’ve maybe made somebody’s life easier,” he said.

The training helps participants develop skills that can be useful in a variety of contexts, according to Lear.

Participants may learn “light” search and rescue; first aid, including CPR and stoppage of bleeding; basic dealings with hazardous materials; and group feedings, according to Lear and Taylor.

A growing group of behavioral health providers has been training and seeking certification recently, so that members can help victims recover from the “emotional toll” of disasters, said Blair County Director of Social Services Trish Johnson at the LEPC meeting.

CERT volunteers are taught to be aware of their surroundings and not to put themselves in danger, he said.

“It brings people in the community together,” Lear said. “And it’s great for networking.”

“Sign up today to help rebuild hope,” the flyer states. “One act of service at a time.”

Taylor’s department is also trying to bolster the area’s Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, as a parallel effort to the search team.

The Red Cross is a reliable partner in that effort, and the Salvation Army is a growing presence in the county, according to Taylor.

He hopes to attract churches, community organizations and businesses to “step up,” he said.