Community Emergency Response Training Offered This Fall

A Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is comprised of volunteers who finish a course of study outlined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These volunteers then help public safety organizations within the community, if a disaster strikes.

and residents are fortunate to have an active CERT initiative locally.

A free training series that teaches the basic CERT skills will be presented by Eureka Emergency Management Association, , and representatives on the following dates at the Eureka Fire District Training Center, located at 18765 Old Highway 66:

• Sept. 10 
• Sept. 17
• Sept. 24
• Oct. 1
• Oct. 8
• Oct. 15
• Oct. 22
• Nov. 29

All sessions will be held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., except for the one on Nov. 29, which will start earlier at 6 p.m. instead.

CERT volunteers are important because following a major disaster, first responders who provide fire and medical services, may not be able to meet the demand for these services. Factors, such as number of victims, communication failures, and road blockages can prevent people from accessing emergency services they have come to expect at a moment's notice through 911. People will have to rely on each other for help to meet their immediate lifesaving and life-sustaining needs, CERT teachers remind.

CERT training enables neighbors to help their neighborhoods quickly.

To register for the upcoming CERT classes, call Eureka Police Department at (636) 938-6600 or online by clicking here.

Ongoing training for CERT volunteers also is offered to keep participants prepared. Support from the city of Eureka also makes this program possible.

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