Gilbert Fire & Rescue will be holding Community Emergency Response Teams classes on Wednesdays from Jan. 30-March 6 to form volunteer teams of neighborhood or workplace members who want to be better prepared for the hazards that may threaten their communities.

The classes run from 6-9 p.m. each Wednesday, and a class member must complete all the classes to be certified. The classes are held at the Gilbert Fire & Rescue Amphitheater, 85 E. Civic Center Drive, Gilbert.

Teams are a part of community preparedness and response capability. CERT programs have been used for:

• distribute and/or install smoke alarms and batteries to the elderly and disabled;


• assist with evacuations and traffic control;


• promote community awareness of potential hazards and preparedness measures;


• supplement staffing at special events, such as parades; and


• act as victims in training exercises.

The classes cover:

• Jan. 30: disaster preparedness and terrorism


• Feb. 6: fire safety


• Feb. 13: medical operations I


• Feb. 20: medical operations II


• Feb. 27: search and rescue


• March 6: disaster psychology


• March 13: skills development

For more information, call 480-503-6300 or visit www.gilbertaz.gov/volunteer-fire.