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Orland Fire District hosts citizen training for emergency preparedness
The Orland Fire Protection District (OFPD) will host an eight-week program to train residents to be able to assist in responding to public emergencies and offer basic emergency services. Enrollment for the free participation is still open to the public.
Participants receive a certification and become members of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), a community-based volunteer organization established by the Orland Fire Protection District.
The training program will begin on Monday, Oct. 1, 2018 from 6 to 8:30 pm and be conducted every Monday for eight weeks ending on November 19.
“CERT team members are trained to assist the fire district in the event of an emergency and learn how to assist their families and neighbors when a disaster occurs,” explains Battalion Chief William Leddin, who supervises the CERT Training program.
Training includes learning he ability to safely extinguish fires in the event of an emergency, providing First Aid, CPR, and bleeding control, assisting your family and neighbors in the event of an emergency, organizing and operating search and rescue duties in your community, and, coordinating and working with other first during community emergencies.
“Our CERT Team assists the Fire District by providing emergency shelter and other assistance at any of our facilities throughout the fire district when needed,” Leddin added.
“What CERT volunteers learn is invaluable to them and to people who are in need during an emergency. Knowing how to respond and provide support to someone in need can make the difference of life or death.”
The Orland Fire Protection District currently has 52 volunteer CERT members who have graduated through the training program throughout the district including in the Village of Orland Park, Village of Orland Hills, and unincorporated Orland Township.
Citizens living in the Orland Fire Protection District who are interested in participating in the free training sessions should contact Battalion Chief William Leddin at through the Fire District’s website at www.OrlandFire.org.
Classes are held at the Orland Fire Protection District’s administration building at 9790 W. 151st Street in Orland Park.
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