DOWNEY – The Downey Fire Department is now taking sign-ups for Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, which begins April 11. Training is held at Calvary Chapel Downey from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 11, April 18 and April 25.

Students must complete all 20 hours of the course to receive a certificate of completion. Training is conducted by the Downey Fire Department.

“Following a major disaster, police, fire and medical professionals may not be able to fully meet the demand of a large disaster,” fire officials said. “Citizens may have to rely on each other to meet their immediate lifesaving and life-sustaining needs, particularly in isolated neighborhoods that may be cut off from the main roads for a period of time.”

The first class on April 11 will cover disaster preparedness, fire suppression and disaster medical operations 1. On April 18, the class will cover disaster medical operations 2, light search and rescue, and terrorism.

Training wraps up April 25 with instruction in disaster psychology, team organization, and review/simulation.

Training is free and participants must be at least 18. To signup or more information, call (562) 904-7345 or email ready@downeyca.org.