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Crime & Safety

In Case of Zombie Apocalypse

Area CERT offers emergency training for other disaster scenarios as well.

Disaster preparation is no laughing matter, but the Westshore Regional Community Emergency Response Team plans to inject a little fun into the next training with a "Zombie Apocalypse" theme.

"Chances are if you’re ready to battle zombies, you’re ready to handle any emergency or disaster," said a press release from CERT. "Community preparedness starts with you, whether it’s for the walking dead, an extended power outage, or a severe winter storm."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, what started out as a tongue-in-cheek campaign has proved to be very effective way to engage a wide variety of audiences.  

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The Westshore Regional Community Emergency Response Team is offering free classes on topics such as disaster preparedness, basic injury assessment and medical treatment, search and rescue procedures, fire suppression, disaster psychology, and more. The 20-hour course developed by FEMA is conducted by local safety professionals. Residents who are at least 18, successfully complete training and pass a background check are eligible for team membership.

Training begins Oct. 6. The five consecutive Saturday morning classes will be held at , 29000 Center Ridge Rd. and the City of Westlake Service Center, 741 Bassett Rd., from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

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To indicate your interest in the free classes or for more information, contact WSC Coordinator Tricia Granfors at 440-716-4135 or granforst@north-olmsted.com. Space is limited. 

Free kits from the CDC are available online.

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