MARIETTA—Sal Gullo, state disaster coordinator for the Georgia Knights of Columbus, has announced expansion of the Knights’ disaster preparedness course offerings.

Among topics covered in the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training are light search and rescue, team organization, disaster medical operations, terrorism and fire safety. The training concludes with a disaster simulation.

The CERT training, offered with the support of the Cobb County Emergency Management Agency, helps citizens to be more prepared.

Gullo said 65 parishioners graduated from the courses at St. Joseph Church, Marietta, during the last quarter of 2016. The program will be expanded with 2017 classes to be held at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Kennesaw, St. Ann Church in Marietta, and Holy Family Church in Marietta.

Students earn a certificate at course completion. The classes are offered free of charge. Anyone age 16 or older can take the course.

“We’re looking forward to expanding this training in other areas of Cobb County to make it available to other parishioners as well,” said Gullo.

Class dates will be announced soon. For additional information, visit the Georgia Knights of Columbus Disaster Response Unit on Facebook.