Be Prepared For A Disaster: Free Training Like 'Life Insurance for Disasters'

“All disasters begin and end at the local level,” is a popular FEMA phrase. 

With the thought that “community preparedness starts with you,” the Westshore Regional Community Emergency Response Team (WSC) is offering free classes on topics such as disaster preparedness, emergency medical considerations, search and rescue procedures, fire suppression, disaster psychology and more.

The free 20-hour FEMA course is conducted by local safety professionals. Westshore residents who are over 18 years of age, successfully complete training, and pass a background check are eligible for team membership. The organizers hope it will help residents do their part to keep their families and our neighborhoods safe and prepared.

“Those who sign up do not have to join the team,” WSC Coordinator Tricia Granfors, who is coordinating the limited-class offering, said.

“Every family that is prepared for a disaster is that much less for the disaster response team,” she said.

The free five-week course, which begins Saturday, Oct. 5, includes eight modules: 

• Basic disaster preparedness
• Fire safety with hands on use of fire ext. (live fire)
• Two medical modules
• Light search and rescue
• Organization (incident command system)
• Disaster psychology
• Certification in terrorism

The final week will include a hands-on exercise that incorporates all eight modules.

“It’s important to all West Shore residents,” Granfors said. “The classes are taught by professional responders.”

She said the approach is “reasonable, logical," noting "we know there isn't a terrorist behind every rock." 

The first three classes will include classroom training at St. John Medical Center. The following two classes, which will include the use of live fire, will be at the City of Westlake Service Center.

Training begins Saturday, Oct. 5. The classes run from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

To register or for more information contact WSC Coordinator Tricia Granfors at 440-716-4135 or granforst@north-olmsted.com. Space is limited.

Visit www.westshorecert.org for more program and team information.