FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2017
Contact: Jane Lerner, Director of Strategic Communications
Office of the County Executive (845) 638-5645

Rockland County Executive Invites Residents to Disaster Preparation Training

 

 NEW CITY, NY – Another session of the Rockland Community Emergency Response Team training has started and is open to anyone over the age of 14.

Rockland County Executive Ed Day urged anyone who is interested in learning these life-saving skills to attend.
"You never know when you might be called upon to help in an emergency," the County Executive said. "These classes offer invaluable training to help the layman be prepared."

RCERT offers a series of eight free classes, where participants learn disaster preparation, mitigation and response in a variety of contexts. Those who complete all 8 classes can be called on at times of crisis or disaster to support first-responders.

The team is a group of trained volunteers who assist professional emergency personnel in preparing for or responding to disasters.

No prior experience in emergency response is necessary.

All classes are taught by professionals at the Rockland County Fire Training Center 35 Firemen's Memorial Drive, Pomona.

The classes are free and sponsored by the County of Rockland, the Rockland County Fire Training Center and the Rockland County Youth Bureau.

For information or to register contact galionek@co.rockland.ny.us. Or Call: 845-708-7307.

Upcoming free community emergency response classes:

• 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 20
Disaster Psychology
Instructor: Sonia Wagner, Vice President of the Mental Health Association of Rockland

Times of disaster causes distress for first responders and victims. In this class, you will learn to interact with survivors and rescuers sensitively during and after these events. You will also learn the steps and techniques rescuers and survivors can take to relieve their own stress in the days, months and years post event.

• 6 p.m., Thursday, June 22
Fire Suppression and Utility Controls
Instructor: John Alf

In this free training, professional firefighters will teach you how to properly use a fire extinguisher, giving you the opportunity to put out an actual small fire (weather dependent)! Participants will also learn fire size-up, fire chemistry, potential fire and utility hazards in the home and workplace and fire prevention strategies.

• 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 27
Flood Response
Instructor: Gene Luchese

In this free class you will learn how to: Know when a flood response will be needed and how the emergency management system responds to floods. Recognize the dangers of floodwaters and how to work safely around them. Work with Sandbags: How to fill and move sandbags during a flood response. Construct a Sandbag Barrier