Aurora offers emergency response training classes for citizens

In an effort to prepare residents for emergencies, Aurora will sponsor several Community Emergency Response Team training classes this year.

CERT students make a difference in their communities by learning to care for themselves, their neighbors and the public at-large in the first three days following a major disaster. Students learn fire suppression, including fire extinguisher training, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue operations, pre- and post-storm CERT operations, and general disaster preparedness.

The classes consist of 26 total hours of training and are being held on various days and times to better meet the schedules of people who may be interested in participating. All training will be held at the City of Aurora Emergency Management Building, 1100 Mitchell Road.

One group of classes will be from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on six consecutive Tuesdays, April 21 and 28, May 5, 12, 26, and June 2; and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, June 7.

Another cluster will be from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on two consecutive Mondays, July 20 and 27; and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug, 1 and 2.

The final set of classes are scheduled for 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on six consecutive Thursdays, Sept. 17 and 24, Oct, 1, 8, 15, and 22; and 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24.

Classes are free and open to adults and teens. Students ages 14 and 15 must attend with a parent or guardian. Students ages 16 and 17 may attend with either a parent or guardian, or a signed release form from a parent or guardian.

After successful completion of this class, students will have the opportunity to apply to become members of Aurora's newly formed CERT Team, which will meet on a regular basis, show off its skills in various CERT competitions, and have the opportunity to volunteer at city events.

To register or for more information, contact the Aurora Emergency Management Agency at (630) 256-5801 or email EMA Coordinator Joseph Jones at jjones@aurora-il.org.