Chandler Fire Department offers free emergency readiness course

PHOENIX — The Chandler Fire Department is offering a complimentary self-preparedness training for emergencies and disasters across two Saturdays this month.

The course, which will be offered Aug. 20 and Aug. 27, will provide students hands-on and classroom instruction on fire safety, utility control, light search and rescue and basic medical care, according to a press release.

It is part of Chandler’s Emergency Operations Plan and local homeland security response based on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Community Emergency Response Team basic course curriculum.

Participants will learn specific hazards they could face in Chandler and the function of organizations such as the fire department, other government agencies, public utilities and nonprofits, according to the release.

“Some of the potential hazards we can face are strong winds, flooding, heat waves, power outages and fires, along with the possibility of man-made threats,” Chandler Battalion Chief Suzy Vargo said in a statement.

“Our goal is to give residents the tools, information and coping skills they need to care for themselves and their families for up to 72 hours following a natural or man-made disaster.”

One element of the training will be to build family emergency kits for homes and vehicles.

Classes will take place at the Chandler Public Safety Training Center at 3550 Dobson Road.

Space is limited, and those interested can register online.

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