SE Valley Times

The Chandler Fire Department is facilitating a free emergency preparedness training course for residents in May. This Basic Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training aims to equip participants with knowledge and practical skills to manage emergencies affecting themselves, their families, and the community.

The program will unfold over two Saturdays, May 10 and May 17, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Chandler Public Safety Training Center located at 3550 S. Dobson Road. The comprehensive course covers fire safety, utility control, light search and rescue, and basic medical care, providing both hands-on and classroom instruction.

Enrollment is complimentary, yet spaces are limited, necessitating early registration through CERT Training.

Participants will be educated on the potential hazards that could impact Chandler, alongside understanding the roles of the fire and police departments, government agencies, public utilities, and non-profits within the community. Emphasis will be made on creating family emergency kits, which form a vital part of preparedness efforts.

Chandler Fire Battalion Chief Blas Minor stated, "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." Minor continued, "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."

Further details about the Basic CERT course are available by calling 480-782-2120, emailing Chandler Fire, or visiting CERT Training.