ALSIP, IL—Alsip residents will have the opportunity to get some free hands-on training in disaster preparedness. The village will be hosting a Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT. The course is free, and most classes will be held on seven Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Alsip Village Hall, 4500 W. 103rd St. The course starts Sept. 3.
The class covering fire safety will be held on one Thursday evening at Reliable Fire and Security, 12845 S. Cicero Ave., Alsip. The final exercise and graduation will take place Saturday, Oct. 26, at Cook County EOC in Oak Forest/
The FEMA CERT program educates citizens about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their community. Participants learn basic disaster response skills such as fire safety and extinguishment, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations including first aid, bandaging, splinting and bleeding control. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.
CERT members also are encouraged to support the community by providing assistance with non-emergency events and emergency preparedness-related projects. No experience is needed. Participants will be given the training needed to become a volunteer Alsip CERT member. The CERT program is applicable to all ages; however, the minimum age to participate for this particular course is 18.
If you have a passion and interest in serving your community, contact Charles Geraci, Department of Emergency Preparedness Director, Village of Alsip, 708-254-2900 or cgeraci@villageofalsip.org. Class size is limited to 30. Registration closes on Aug. 17.
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Alsip, IL Patch
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