How prepared are you for an emergency? Don't wait until a crisis strikes to find out! Avondale Fire-Rescue's Community Services Division is offering a free series of classes designed to prepare you to handle a variety of emergencies. From natural disasters such as weather-related events to large scale man-made emergencies, Avondale Fire-Rescue personnel will teach you ways to help your family, friends and neighbors until professional help can arrive. The first class begins on February 25, 2010.

C.E.R.T. stands for Community Emergency Response Team and is a national initiative aimed at training members of the community in basic disaster preparedness, first aid, and light search and rescue. The free training series consists of seven sessions on Thursday nights, starting February 25. A mock disaster drill will be held on the final evening. Sessions are held from 6 to 10 p.m. at Avondale Fire Station 172, 1825 N. 107th Avenue, in Avondale. Registration is required. This program is open to both residents and non-residents in the community. Participants must be 18 or older.

Graduates of the course will receive a fully equipped C.E.R.T. preparedness bag, complete with items such as reflective vest, helmet, flashlight, safety glasses, dust mask, and work gloves; a gift provided in part by program partner State Farm(R).

CERT Community Emergency Response Team Training
Date: Thursdays, February 25 - April 8, 2010
Time: 6 - 10 p.m.
Location: Avondale Fire Station 172, 1825 N. 107th Ave.
Cost: FREE

For more information and to register, call Avondale Fire-Rescue at (623) 333-6112