Disaster-preparedness CERT training offered to the public

Published 12:01 am Sunday, January 6, 2013

PORT ANGELES — The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office is inviting residents and businesses to learn how to prepare themselves and their families in case of an emergency.

It is offering Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, a free 20-hour program over three Saturdays that includes instruction in fire suppression, disaster preparedness, terrorism awareness, disaster medical operations (triage), light search-and-rescue, team formation and disaster psychology.

Following a major disaster, police, fire and medical professionals may not be able to fully meet the demand, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

People will have to rely on each other to meet immediate life-saving and life-sustaining needs, particularly in isolated neighborhoods that may be cut off from the main roads for a period of time.

The CERT program was developed by federal emergency management experts to provide basic training in safety and life-saving skills for the general public.

The training will be conducted in the Carlsborg area. Registration is required.

The course will take place Jan. 26, Feb. 2 and Feb. 9. Registrants must complete all three

days to graduate.

Trainers include a nurse practitioner, a retired federal administrator, a fire captain and a retired federal agent who also served as a deputy police chief.

To register for the training and for further information, phone Jamye Wisecup at 360-417-2525.