CERT accepting applications for March training academy


Share this: Email | Facebook | X

The Carson City Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will be offering a free basic training academy in mid-March, and again later in the year, and is accepting applications from persons interested in volunteering, according to a news release.

Prospective applicants should contact CERT at cert@carson.org and indicate interest in the CERT Basic Training Academy in March.

“You will receive an application that must be completed and returned to cert@carson.org no later than Monday, February 17, to be considered for a seat in the March academy; seats for the CERT Basic Training Academy are limited,” the release said. “The academy training consists of approximately 26 hours of classroom instruction delivered over six sessions in two weeks (March 20-22 and again March 27-29; Thursday-Friday evenings, and Saturday all day), culminating with a practical demonstration of the learned skills. All sessions must be completed to graduate. Location of the training will be sent to accepted applicants.”

CERT is a nationwide program of community volunteers who “help prepare their local communities for critical events and support first responders in the event of a real-world incident,” city officials said.

“The Basic Training Academy includes training in disaster preparedness, fire safety and utility control, disaster medical operations, disaster psychology, light search and rescue, and terrorism,” the release said.

Participants do not have to live in Carson City, and no special skills or prior training is needed. Those between ages 16 and 17 can attend with a signed parent’s permission release.

“Community members who complete the CERT Basic Training Academy will be highly encouraged to participate in Carson City CERT activities throughout the year, which include attending training meetings once a month, participating in other training and exercises, providing preparedness materials to the community during public events, and supporting first responders during critical events,” the release said.