Grays Harbor Fire District #14 in Ocosta, with support from South Beach Fire Chiefs and City of Westport Police, will host a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program in late April at the Ocosta Fire Hall located at 69 Johns River Road, just off SR105 approximately 10 miles south of Aberdeen.
What is CERT?
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.
No cost for course
The course includes all printed materials, a binder and a light breakfast each day. Participants are on their own for lunch, but there is a refrigerator and microwave available for your convenience at the fire hall.
Training schedule
The three-day course will meet on the following schedule:
• Saturday, April 30: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, May 1: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Monday, May 2: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., including a live training scenario
• Evening Scenario: TBD
Reserve spot by April 22
Seating is limited to 20 participants. Reservations are required no later than April 22. Please RSVP to North Beach CERT Leader Clint Davis at: www.northbeachcert.org or by calling 360- 310-3943 or emailing to:
Sponsors welcome
Due to FEMA budget cuts, instructors now must provide their own transportation, all printed materials, binders and supplies for the scenario. Only with the help of sponsors, can we do this.
What training do I need?
Taking the following online NIMS (National Incident Management System) courses are not mandatory, but would be extremely helpful in understanding some of the materials used in the new CERT curriculum and training scenario.
• IS-100.b Introduction to ICS (Incident Command System)
http://www.training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/courseOverview.aspx?code=IS-100.b
• IS-700.a Introduction to NIMS (National Incident Management System)
http://www.training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/courseOverview.aspx?code=IS-700.a
What if I can’t make all three sessions?
Please understand that the certified instructor is taking time off from work to volunteer to teach this course. You must complete the course in order. If you can’t make this course, other courses in the county will be available. Students will only receive certification after completing all three days.