Free training prepares residents for disaster

Posted by ChaddsFordLive on February 28, 2015

Learn to help yourself and others in the event of a disaster: The Chester County Department of Emergency Services has scheduled a free, four-week Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) course beginning April 9 at the Chester County Public Safety Training Campus in South Coatesville.

Members of a CERT training session participate in a simulated rescue exercise. — Members of a CERT training session participate in a simulated rescue exercise at the Chester County Public Safety Training Campus in South Coatesville.

The CERT program educates people about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic disaster responsiveness, including fire safety, basic medical care, and other skills needed to help themselves and their neighbors during an emergency.

“Because emergency services personnel are not always able to attend to everyone immediately during a disaster, trained citizens can make a big difference by using CERT skills to help save lives and protect property,” said Chester County Director of Emergency Services Robert Kagel.

Once trained, CERT members are also encouraged to support and volunteer with their local emergency response agencies and to take a more active role in emergency preparedness in their community.

To register for the free training, visit http://destraining.chesco.org or call 610-344-5540. Space is limited, and registration ends on March 31. The Public Safety Training campus is located at 137 Modena Rd., South Coatesville, 19320.