The Chandler Fire Department is offering a free training course for Chandler residents who want to learn how to take care of themselves, their family, neighborhood and community during an emergency or disaster.

This basic Community Emergency Response Team set of civilian training courses provides community members with hands-on and classroom instruction over two consecutive Saturdays, Sept. 13 and Sept. 20, according to a news release.

CERT courses include fire safety, utility control, light search and rescue and basic medical care.

This two-day self-preparedness training will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturdays.

The classes will be conducted at the Chandler Public Safety Training Center, 3550 S. Dobson Road. The training is free, but space is limited. Register to attend at this link.

Training participants will learn about the types of hazards that might affect Chandler and examine the roles and responsibilities of various organizations within the community, such as police and fire departments, other government agencies, public utilities and nonprofits.

Constructing family emergency kits for home and vehicles is also a critical part of community preparedness.

For more information about Chandler’s basic CERT course, call 480-782-2120, email chandlerfire@chandleraz.gov or click here.

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