CERT Disaster Preparedness Classes

Rockville - - - The Montgomery County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is pleased to announce the spring and fall class schedule for 2011. The goal of the CERT program is to train members of the community in basic emergency preparedness and response skills so they can better help themselves and others in an emergency.

CERT consists of programs that serve in more than 170 communities nationwide. Montgomery CERT is managed by theMontgomery County Fire and Rescue Service and is based on the DHS/FEMA/Citizen Corps national standard curriculum. Through training programs, CERT members are instructed in basic emergency response skills including fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations.

Montgomery CERT offers a 30-hour basic CERT course. The 4-week training is offered free to Montgomery County residents, aged 18 or older, several times a year and advance registration is required. The Spring 2011 class is full. The next session will be offered in September and applications are being accepted. Please visit our website to register or for additional information or contact Program Manager Greg St. James at join@montgomerycert.org.

With the tragic events unfolding in Japan, CERT training provides an opportunity for everyday citizens to formalize their commitment to helping others. To learn more about what you can do, please visit the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service website at www.mcfrs.org/mcsafe. Additionally, to keep up-to-date with Montgomery County CERT activities, you are invited to attend monthly CERT meetings, check our calendar for date, time, and location!

Are you ready?

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