The Hernando County Sheriff's Office is looking for volunteers for its Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT.

Volunteers will receive special training to enhance their ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from an emergency situation. CERT members will often be the first to arrive at a situation because emergency responders may be delayed after a disaster, and so they provide vital services after the disaster strikes.

The next training class will begin on Sept. 3. Classes will be held from 6-9 p.m. every Wednesday evening through Oct. 15 in the Emergency Operations Center, 18900 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville.

Previous emergency experience is not required, and the training and materials are provided for free. CERT members must be at least 18 and pass a required background check, including fingerprints.

For more information, call 352-754-4083. Applications can be found at www.hernandosheriff.org/em via the CERT link. All applications must be submitted to Michael Terry, Community Relations Specialist, by the close of business on Aug. 29.