Erie Community College, State University of New York

Erie Community College’s Department of Workforce Development is offering free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training to assist Western New York residents to be prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities.

Sessions will be held from 6:30-9:30 p.m. beginning Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009 at ECC’s North Campus in Williamsville. Classes will run on consecutive Wednesdays through December 16, concluding with a disaster simulation of Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009.

CERT members can give critical support to first responders; provide immediate assistance to victims and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also assist with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community.

There is no cost for this training, which is supported by a Citizens Corps grant through the New York State Emergency Management Office and the Erie County Department of Emergency Services.

Space is limited to 50 registrants. For more information or to register for this program, call Carrie Kahn, executive dean of workforce development at (716) 851-1800.

Erie Community College meets the needs of a diverse student body and contributes to regional economic vitality by providing excellent, flexible, affordable and accessible educational programs in a multi-campus environment committed to continuous improvement.