West Chicago Citizen Corps now recruiting

West Chicago, Illinois: September 14, 2011 – September is National Preparedness Month and the City of West Chicago would like residents to know that the West Chicago Citizen Corps is offering another Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) course.

The West Chicago Citizen Corps has worked hard to educate the public on important actions to take in the event of a natural or manmade disaster through a seven-week training course. The Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) course will meet every Tuesday evening, starting September 27, 2011 from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. There is no fee for the course. Participants must be at least 18 years old or older, and either live or work in the City of West Chicago or within the West Chicago Fire Protection District.

CERT training is designed to provide basic training in disaster preparedness, which increases the ability of citizens to survive until responders or other assistance arrives. Courses include; Weather Safety, Fire and Life Safety, Medical, Light Search and Rescue, CERT Organization, Psychology, and Terrorism.

Fire Chief Robert Hodge said, “Everyone that attends the course learns valuable lessons that may change their life. Learning how to bandage an injury, use a fire extinguisher, or lift a heavy object that has trapped someone, may be very useful when an emergency hits your neighborhood.” According to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, “No matter how much the federal government, the state, or local officials do to prepare, we can't do it alone – individuals and families must do their part to be ready in case of an emergency. The public is the most important member of the nation's emergency management team.”

Adding his thoughts on the importance of preparedness, Mayor Mike Kwasman said, “No one knows where or when epidemics, natural disasters, or grave emergencies may occur. The CERT course gives residents the opportunity to learn how they can help themselves and their neighbors, and directly support professional emergency responders. Trained citizens react in times of urgency, and may save lives. I urge all West Chicago residents to attend this course.”

The course will be conducted at the Fire Protection District Headquarters, located at 200 Fremont Street. To enroll, residents should call Chief Robert Hodge at (630) 231-2123 or City of West Chicago Police Sergeant Chris Woodill at (630) 293-2222.