City offers emergency response training

(February 8, 2012) - People interested in learning how they can help others until first responders arrive at the scene of a disaster can enroll now to for a free, three-day Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training course. 

The training will be held from 6-10 p.m. on February 23-24 and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on February 25 at the Regional Multiagency Coordination Center, 4600 Martin Luther King.  Participants must attend all three days to complete the course.

A second training class will be offered on March 15-17.

The training will be taught by certified CERT Instructors and will cover:

• Disaster preparedness
• Fire safety
• Disaster medical operations
• Light search and rescue operations
• CERT organization
• Disaster psychology

“Each citizen has a responsibility to be prepared for a disaster,” Oklahoma City Emergency Manager Sergeant Frank Barnes said.  “During major emergency citizens can work together more effectively if they have prior planning and training.   CERT training will enhance the ability of individuals and neighborhoods to reduce their emergency needs and to manage their existing resources until professional assistance becomes available.”

Class is limited to 15 students.  Enroll by e-mailing gregory.adams@okc.gov or calling 605-8983.  Please include the date of the class you want to attend.  Enrollment for the February 23 class closes February 22.

For more information visit the Community Emergency Response Team website at www.citizencorps.gov/cert/ .

Contact:  Kristy Yager,
297-2550 / 863-2831