The DuPont Fire Department is now opening enrollment for Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) classes to those who live or work within the DuPont area. This FREE, 20-hour CERT course aims to teach citizens how to prepare for, and respond to, disasters or extreme emergencies.
The classes will follow a model developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is offered in many communities across the United States. The idea behind this model is to teach people in neighborhoods how to help each other in the first few hours or days following a disaster, before emergency responders are able to get to them to render professional help. In the CERT classes, students will gain hands-on skills such as how to put out small fires, render first aid in a disaster situation, be safe around utilities, and perform light search and rescue.
The six classes will be taught by firefighters who are subject experts. The classes are held on Monday and Wednesday evenings for three weeks from 6:30 – 9 p.m., and culminate in a practical exercise to be held on a Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Classes will be held at DuPont Fire Station, 1780 Civic Drive starting on Monday, March 21st through Saturday, April 9th.
The course is limited to 25 students and there are no prerequisites, other than a desire to learn and help others. Attendance is required at all of the sessions.
For more information, the class schedule or to register, contact Vince Martinez at (253) 983-4580 or email vmartinez@lakewoodfire.org.