FANNIN COUNTY, TX -- It's said, that in 95% of all emergencies the victim or a bystander provides the first immediate assistance on scene. In Fannin County, The Community Emergency Response Team or CERT is making sure members of the community know what to do in case of any emergency.

More than 200 people have already completed CERT training in Fannin County. Now the program is beginning its 13th training session.

"It's a sense of responsibility, it might be a little overwhelming at first, but I welcome it and definitely want it,” Harriet Sheppard said.

Sheppard is one of 12 people looking to become the newest members of CERT. The dozen people won't be taking the place of emergency responders, But they will be able to lending a hand when disaster hits.

"We say when big is big and bad is bad and the first responders are over whelmed, CERT can come in and take the load off our first responders, so they can concentrate on the more critical duties,” Darrell Brewer, Fannin County Emergency Management Director, said.

Fannin County CERT members helped set up local shelters after Hurricane Katrina, and have assisted in missing persons searches.

The program itself is federally funded and Fannin County officials say their CERT was the first established in Texoma.

"This team is known throughout the state of Texas. When we go to conventions and tell them we're from Fannin County they recognize us."

Organizers say the team maintains about 150 active members. Some like Freddie Wright have been with the program since the first training session.

"I'ved here all my life just want to do what I can to give back,” Wright said.

After eight weeks of training, the newest members like Sheppard will be given a backpack similar to this, outfitted with basic supplies. Sheppard says she’s looking forward to it.

"It'll be a good experience for me, and my neighbors can get to know me a little better when I knock on their door and say - I can help you let’s go,” Sheppard said.

Organizers say if you missed out on this first training session, but are still interested in joining Fannin County's CERT - you can just come to the next training session - that's scheduled for Tuesday 13th.

This round of CERT training will conclude in august with an emergency drill to put the skills learned in to use.