Adventures in Emergency Management

[Tedium]

Yeah, the way I said that made it seem like I was trying to buy my way into a job. That's not my intention at all and I don't have any illusions about job prospects. I just wanted the certificate because I had some extra time and money, and like I said, I really fell in love with the material. I have no problem volunteering, taking an entry-level position, or otherwise putting in the work. I'm all about it, really. I'm just so excited that I found a way to help others that I find so interesting. I never could picture myself being a nurse or doctor. I'm just not sure how to get started. Education seemed like the best place to start.

The closest CERT to me listed on the FEMA site is 20 mins. away and it is in a different parish. But I know that my girlfriend's father received CERT training ~1 year ago at the university in my city where he works. So, tomorrow when I start calling/e-mailing/bugging people, who should I start with? The city, parish, state, university, or FEMA? It seems silly to me that we don't have one in my city. We have one of the busiest ports in the nation and a boatload of chemical plants and refineries. So, either the FEMA website needs updating, or this group is hiding out or using different terminology or something.

Also, there is a small Red Cross center in my city. How do I approach them about this? Do I just walk in and ask to volunteer for emergency management drills?