Free emergency preparedness training available; class begins Nov. 2

Learn how to be prepared for a disaster and to help yourself, family, co-workers and friends after one occurs.

The Palatine Emergency Management Agency offers the federal CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Training Classes on a regular basis, and the next class begins on Nov. 2.

This free 20+ hour course will teach you how to prepare for any emergency, and how to protect yourself and your family should one occur.

The evening classes are held over a three-week period in the Emergency Operations Center at Village Hall, 200 E. Wood St., Palatine. The class schedule follows:

• Monday, Nov. 2, preparedness • Wednesday, Nov. 4, organization • Thursday Nov. 5, search and rescue • Monday Nov. 9, medicines, part 1 • Tuesday Nov. 10, medicines, part 2 • Thursday Nov. 12, fire Safety • Tuesday Nov. 17, psychology of terrorism

• Thursday Nov. 19, review/exercise • Nov. 23, orientation

Individuals who complete all sessions have the opportunity to take advanced training which will qualify them to become an active part of their community's response capability.

Classes fill up quickly. To enroll, email Palatine's Emergency Management Coordinator, EMA@palatine.il.us, or go to www.palatine-ema.org for information.

Tune to 1660 AM, the Village of Palatine's Emergency Advisory Radio Station, for local weather reports, advisories and announcements affecting the Palatine area. In the event of an emergency, the station will broadcast essential up-to-the-minute reports, alerts and instructions.