Emergency response team accepting applications for training academy

The Carson City Community Emergency Response Team will offer a free Basic Training Academy in mid-September and is accepting applications from persons interested in volunteering.

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

“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. ‘The academy training consists of approximately 26 hours of classroom instruction delivered over six sessions in two weeks (Thursday-Friday evening, and Saturday all day), culminating with a practical demonstration of the learned skills. All sessions must be completed to graduate.”

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

Contact CERT at cert@carson.org and indicate interest in the CERT Basic Training Academy in September. Those interested will receive an application that must be completed and returned to cert@carson.org no later than Aug. 8. Seats are limited.