Palm Springs Fire Department to host emergency response training courses

PALM SPRINGS (CNS) - The Palm Springs Fire Department will teach residents essential emergency preparedness skills starting in October.

The department will host three Community Emergency Response Team training courses free of charge at the agency's training center at 300 East Alejo Road, with the first date scheduled on Oct. 16.

The courses will provide training in disaster response, including fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and basic medical operations.

CERT courses will be a 20-hour commitment, with participants required to complete hands-on exercises in fire suppression, search and rescue, cribbing and medical operations, the agency stated.

Once the training is completed, participants will receive a backpack filled with emergency supplies.

CERT course dates will be from Oct. 16-18, Jan. 22-24 and March 5-7. Each class will be limited to the first 40 registrants. More information is available at CERT@palmspringsca.gov.