Washoe County residents can get free training on what to do before and during an emergency through the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Citizen Corps.
The Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, Academy begins October 15 and is designed to help residents prepare for disasters and assist others in their community.
The academy includes six training sessions held over two consecutive weekends. Participants must complete all six sessions to graduate.
No previous emergency response experience or special skills are required. People ages 16 and 17 can also participate with parental permission.
Training covers topics including disaster preparedness, emergency medical techniques, fire safety, light search and rescue and disaster psychology.
The October academy will be held at the Regional Public Safety Training Center at 5190 Spectrum Boulevard on:
Thursday, October 15 through Saturday, October 17
Thursday, October 22 through Saturday, October 24
Residents can learn more about the CERT program and apply for the academy at WashoeSheriff.com/CERT.
(Washoe County Sheriff's Office contributed to this report.)
