[ARRL-OK] CERT training online

[Lloyd Colston]

FEMA ON-LINE COURSE TO HELP COMMUNITY EMERGENCY
RESPONSE TEAMS GET  AND STAY  TRAINED


WASHINGTON, D.C.  The Department of Homeland Securitys Federal 
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is unveiling today an on-line, 
independent study course that can serve as either an introduction to 
those joining Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) or as a 
refresher to current volunteer team members.

While nothing can replace the in-person training local jurisdictions 
offer to CERT volunteers, this independent course augments their 
education and serves to reinforce the knowledge theyve gained, said 
Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency 
Preparedness and Response. This new independent study course 
underscores the importance that FEMA places on CERT and its importance 
to communities across the nation.

CERT members work with a communitys emergency management officials to 
provide assistance in a disaster by helping victims, organizing 
spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site and supporting emergency 
responders.

Specialists at FEMAs Emergency Management Institute developed the 
course, which is part of the institutes extensive independent study 
program. The course, Introduction to Community Emergency Response Teams, 
IS 317, has six modules with topics that include an introduction to 
CERT, fire safety, hazardous material and terrorist incidents, disaster 
medical operations, and search and rescue. It takes between six and 
eight hours to complete the course; those successfully finishing it 
receive a certification of completion. The course is located at: 
www.training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/is317.asp.

The course can be taken by anyone interested in CERT, but only those who 
are actual CERT volunteers can take the in-person training FEMA offers.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland 
Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead 
the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage 
federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. 
FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first 
responders, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire 
Administration.
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Lloyd Colston		Mayes County CEM
Pryor, OK USA		http://www.geocities.com/mccem
   When Danger comes, it is too late to plan.