O’Fallon’s free disaster preparedness training starts March 2

Everyone who lives or works in O’Fallon is invited to learn basic disaster response skills through attending the O’Fallon Police Department’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training.

The 20-hour course is taught at no charge by the O’Fallon Police Department, and includes training by emergency professionals.

Those completing the course will be eligible to participate in monthly follow-up drills and training, such as radio communications, to keep skills fresh. Dates and times are:

• 6-10 p.m. Friday, March 2
• 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, March 3
• 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday, March 4

The hands-on training is offered twice a year, and covers:

• Basic medical treatment for injuries
• Preparing for emergencies at home and in the community
• Extinguishing small fires
• Conducting light search and rescue
• Relieving survivor stress
• Communicating effectively with public safety organizations during a disaster
• Working as a team

“This training is exciting and it’s geared to neighborhood organizations, parents, businesses and church groups as well as individuals,” said Police Officer Andy Stowers, director of O’Fallon CERT. “The training can help during any emergency situation. And in the event of a disaster, CERT graduates will have the ability to help their families, save lives in their own neighborhood, and stretch emergency resources until professional help arrives.”

For more information, or to register for the training, visit the city’s website at www.ofallon.mo.us and select “Police” on the homepage, or go directly to www.ofallon.mo.us/PD/CERT.