Training Offered to Help Deal with City Emergencies | Education & Schools

Henderson residents interested in helping their communities deal with emergency situations can receive city-backed training starting in September.

The city of Henderson’s Office of Emergency Management will host free training classes for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The classes are offered for residents who wish to become better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their homes, businesses and neighborhoods.

When emergencies occur, CERT members can provide support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize volunteers at a disaster site. CERT training includes disaster preparedness, basic first aid, fire suppression training, and light search and rescue operations. The training emphasizes decision making skills, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

“In a citywide emergency, our fire and police departments may not be able to immediately respond to all calls for service,” said Ryan Turner, Emergency Management Coordinator. “Having a trained team of civilians in place, with neighbors assisting neighbors, will go a long way toward ensuring people quickly get the help they need.”

Two series of classes will be offered, one on Mondays and one on Wednesdays, over six consecutive weeks. Classes begin on September 10 and September 12, and will meet at the Henderson Training Center located at 401 Parkson Road from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Residents can register for either class at www.nvcert.org.