CERT class trains citizens for emergencies

Participants in the CERT class got hands-on experience in Small Fire Suppression in the second class of the series.

NORTHEAST — Harris County Citizens Corps is currently conducting an 8-week CERT training class, with 46 enrolled participants from the Northeast/Aldine area.

CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team, and the concept is to train citizens to be first responders to emergencies, before public safety officials can arrive, or in the case of large emergencies, to be able to offer aid in lieu of officials.

Classes are being held at the ESD#1 building on Aldine-Bender Road, and started on July 22 and will end on September 9. Persons interested in the classes can contact Richard Cantu at 713-595-1220 for future enrollment.

The course is being taught by Fire Service, Emergency Medical, and Law Enforcement professionals. Subjects that are being covered include:

– Disaster preparedness
– Small fire suppression
– Medical operations, treatment strategies
– Medical operations, triage
– Light search & rescue
– Team organization and disaster psychology
– Terrorism awareness (FBI)
– Disaster simulation drill

The course is free, and offered through the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and is co-sponsored by East Aldine District, and hosted by ESD#1.

CERT training is designed to prepare you to help yourself, your family, and your neighbors in the event of any anticipated disruptions and potential hazards before and following a disaster. Should emergency personnel not be available, you can use this training to save lives and protect property.

Additional information about CERT and the Harris County Citizen Corps is available at >www.harriscountycitizencorps.com.