Although no natural disasters are expected to strike Selma this weekend, the Southern Baptist Association’s emergency response chainsaw team will be out in full force.

On Saturday and Sunday, between 12-14 volunteers are expected to complete training, both in the classroom and in the field, to become part of the SBA’s emergency response chainsaw team.

Jim Glass, the coordinator for the course, said the purpose of the program is to not only certify the volunteers, but also teach them how to operate a chainsaw should a natural disaster strike.

“A chainsaw, just the way some people use it, can be very dangerous,” Glass said. “But we teach our volunteers how to do it safely.”

On Friday, the volunteers will meet at the SBA office to learn about cleanup and recovery following a natural disaster, as well as the types of cuts that can be made using a chainsaw.

Their knowledge and skills will be put to the test on Saturday in Valley Grande, however, when class participants will cut down trees and become certified to join the SBA chainsaw team.

Glass said the team, which unites to serve Jesus Christ, has been deployed all across the county and can be ready at a moment’s notice.

“Whereever we’re called to go, that’s where we’ll go,” he said. “We’ve been as far as Texas, Missouri, Kentucky and New Orleans, and our team has been deployed locally. Whereever we’re called is wherever we’ll go. This is a ministry.”

Interim director of the Dallas County EMA Rhonda Abbott said anytime residents can get training, even if they only plan on working in their own yards, it’s tremendous.

“Personal safety is always the main objective with any kind of response, whether it’s with a chainsaw or any other type of equipment,” Abbott said. “When they’ve got to perform, they need to know what to look for to protect themselves. If they don’t protect themselves, they become a part of the problem. Any type of training like this is very important for anybody that thinks that they’re going to be out after a disaster.”