Emergency Response Training Begins February 8th

Some of our Mid-Valley churches may want to participate in efforts to respond to community emergencies...Here's the information:

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To: Fresno Citizen Corps
Subject: Emergency Response Training Begins February 8th

The Fresno Citizen Corps, in partnership with the City and County of Fresno and the California Air National Guard, is pleased to announce that Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training will be offered in an 8-week evening series beginning on February 8th and continuing on consecutive Thursdays through March 29th.

The 20-hour course sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security-Office of Domestic Preparedness, and developed by FEMA in cooperation with the Los Angeles Fire Department, is designed to provide basic emergency response skills, particularly those that would be essential in the initial hours after a major disaster. The course covers disaster preparedness, fire safety and small fire suppression (extinguishers), triage, medical operations/disaster first aid, light search and rescue, team organization, disaster psychology, terrorism and a final exercise.

This 8-week evening schedule has been developed to accommodate individuals in the business sector, faith community, education, neighborhood groups and community-serving organizations. There is no registration fee and all printed course materials will be provided, however, participants will be required to bring some personal protective equipment, such as leather and latex gloves, safety glasses, etc. Details will be provided.

All classes will be held at the ANG 144th Fighter Wing located at 5323 East McKinley Avenue (east of Peach Avenue near the Fresno Yosemite Airport) and will be held from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. During this series there will also be an opportunity to tour the base and observe deployment of the ANG’s fighter jets that protect the airspace in the western United States. As this is an active military base, a background check will be conducted on all applicants prior to registration.

A course description, complete schedule and an application form are attached.

The recent freezing conditions, hurricanes, fires, earthquakes and terrorist activities have heightened interest in disaster preparedness and response and the course is expected to fill very quickly. Interested individuals are encouraged to return the attached application form at their earliest convenience. You are welcome to forward this announcement to others who may be interested in the course.

Nearly 400 area residents have completed CERT training to date, and we hope that you will be able to participate in this valuable training opportunity.

Best regards, Carla

Carla R. Glazebrook

Fresno Citizen Corps

FPD Homeland Security Unit

2326 Fresno Street

Fresno, CA 93721

CitizenCorps@Fresno.gov

(559) 621-2328

(559) 488-1010 fax