Fire District No. 2 in conjunction with Douglas County, is sponsoring a Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) course in Sutherlin. CERT training is designed to provide citizens with the necessary skills they would need in time of disaster. Topics covered include: Disaster preparedness, fire safety and fire extinguisher use, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, terrorism, medical operations and first aid, and a simulated disaster exercise.
As residents view the disasters occurring in the Midwest and Japan, it’s important to understand disasters can happen anywhere. Locally, disasters are likely going to be weather events like flooding, wind storms, or snow or ice storms. Earthquakes, tsunami’s, or large fires also are risks County residents are likely to face. CERT training will help citizens be prepared for any of these events.
Although not required, some course participants may decide they want to join a local CERT team and volunteer to help their community in times of emergencies. Douglas County Fire District No. 2 is forming a team to assist the agency during local emergency events. Fire District No. 2 Battalion Chief Roger Johnson said, “We are hoping to have a team of 10-12 people that are willing to volunteer and help the communities we serve”.
Course dates: May 21, June 4, 11, and 18. Classes start at 8:30 A.M. and are being held at the Sutherlin Middle School activity center. The final class and mock disaster will be held at the Fire District No. 2 station in Sutherlin.
For more information or to register for this free training, call Douglas County CERT Coordinator Andrea Stone at 541-464-3867 or via email at: astone@co.douglas.or.us