SE Valley Times

CHANDLER, Ariz. – The Chandler Fire Department (CFD) is offering a free training course for Chandler residents who want to learn how to take care of themselves, their family, neighborhood, and community during an emergency or disaster. This Basic Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training course provides community members with hands-on and classroom instruction over two consecutive Saturdays. Courses include fire safety, utility control, light search and rescue, basic medical care, and more.

This two-day self-preparedness training will be held on consecutive Saturdays, June 1 and June 8, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. The classes will be conducted at the Chandler Public Safety Training Center, 3550 S. Dobson Road. The training is free but space is limited. Interested participants can register through Eventbrite or find a link at the Chandler Fire Department's website under Safety Education.

Training participants will learn about the types of hazards that might affect Chandler and examine the roles and responsibilities of various organizations within the community such as police and fire departments, other government agencies, public utilities, and non-profits. Constructing family emergency kits for home and vehicles is also a critical part of community preparedness.

“Some of the potential hazards we Arizonans can face are strong winds, flooding, heat waves, power outages and fires along with the possibility of man-made threats,” said Chandler Battalion Chief Blas Minor. “Our goal is to give residents the tools, information and coping skills they need to care for themselves and their families for up to 72 hours following a natural or man-made disaster.”

For more information about Chandler’s Basic CERT course call 480-782-2120 email ChandlerFire@chandleraz.gov or visit the Chandler Fire Department's website.