Contact:
 From:
Sgt. Chris Woodill
630-293-2222
cwoodill@westchicago.org 		West Chicago Police Department
325 Spencer Street
West Chicago, IL 60185

WEST CHICAGO CITIZEN CORPS OFFERING THE COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAINING (CERT) COURSE

Seven Week Course Begins September 15, 2009
 
West Chicago, Illinois: August 21, 2009 – September is National Preparedness Month and the City of West Chicago would like residents to know that the West Chicago Citizen Corps is offering another Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) course. The seven week course will meet every Tuesday evening starting September 15, 2009, from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. Participants must be at least 18 years old or older, and either live or work in the City of West Chicago or the West Chicago Fire Protection District. There is no fee for the course and each participant will receive a basic disaster preparedness kit upon graduation.

CERT training is designed to provide basic training in disaster preparedness, which increases the ability of citizens to survive until responders or other assistance arrives. Courses include; Weather Safety, Fire and Life Safety, Medical, Light Search and Rescue, CERT Organization, Psychology, and Terrorism.

Deputy Fire Chief Robert Hodge said, “Everyone that attends the course learns valuable lessons that may change their life. Learning how to bandage an injury, use a fire extinguisher, or lift a heavy object that has trapped someone, may be very useful when an emergency hits your neighborhood.”

Adding his thoughts on the importance of preparedness, Mayor Mike Kwasman said, “No one knows where or when epidemics, natural disasters, or grave emergencies may occur. The CERT course gives residents the opportunity to learn how they can help themselves and their neighbors, and directly support professional emergency responders. Trained citizens react in times of urgency, and may save lives. I urge all West Chicago residents to attend this course.”

The course will be conducted at the Fire Protection District Headquarters, located at 200 Fremont Street. To enroll residents should contact Deputy Chief Hodge at (630) 231-2123.
 

 

 

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West Chicago is the one of the fastest-growing cities in DuPage County in the western suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. With a current population of more than 25,000, West Chicago is a diverse, family-oriented community with a rich cultural mix and a proud heritage. West Chicago is the first Illinois community established by the railroads and continues to be a convenient transportation hub served by three major rail lines, Illinois' third-busiest airport and three state highways. West Chicago offers award-winning schools, a growing industrial park and convenient access to parks, shopping and restaurants. Additional information can be found on the city's website at www.westchicago.org or by calling Rosemary Mackey directly at (630) 293-2200 x 139.
 
 
CITY OF WEST CHICAGO   475 Main Street, West Chicago, Illinois 60185   T - (630) 293-2200   www.westchicago.org