MCFRS Announces Winter CERT Training Class Dates

Montgomery County’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will conduct the first CERT training class of 2011 beginning January 26th in Rockville. The class is open to all Montgomery County residents age 18 and older and is offered free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.

“CERT training is a vital component in moving towards a culture of preparedness,” said CERT Program Manager Greg St. James. “We know that immediately following a significant event or disaster that often the first critical response is neighbors helping neighbors. CERT prepares citizens to take action, apply their training and to raise awareness about the importance of emergency preparedness.”

Class topics include Disaster Preparedness, First Aid, CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Damage Assessment, Fire Safety, Hazardous Materials Awareness, Incident Command System (ICS), Pet Safety, Search and Rescue Techniques, Disaster Psychology, Terrorism Awareness, Radio Use, Mass Casualty Response and Disaster Simulations.

Montgomery County CERT courses are taught by certified instructors and upon successful completion students receive a FEMA certificate.

Classes will be held in Rockville at the Executive Office Building (EOB) or Council Office Building (COB) auditoriums on Wednesday evenings from 7 pm to 9 pm and on Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm. Students are expected to attend all sessions to earn the FEMA certificate. For additional information and to register go to www.montgomerycert.org and follow the instructions.

Winter Session (must attend all sessions):

Wed. (EOB) 1-26-11 Disaster Preparation
Sat. (COB) 1-29-11 CPR/AED
Wed. (COB) 2-02-11 First Aid
Sat. (COB) 2-05-11 Damage Assessment /Hazardous Materials
Wed. (COB) 2-09-11 Incident Command System / Team Organization / Pet Safety
Sat. (COB) 2-12-11 Light Search and Rescue
Wed. (COB) 2-16-11 Disaster Psychology
Sat. (EOB) 2-19-11 Mass Casualty Incidents
Wed. (COB) 2-23-11 Terrorism
Sat. (EOB) 2-26-11 Final Practical