Allen County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will conduct disaster response training at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, June 30, at the Fort Wayne Fire Academy, 2700 Dwenger Avenue.  The disaster will involve an F-3 tornado striking a neighborhood.

CERT is a program that trains individuals on how to provide initial assistance during an emergency response situation, i.e., tornado, flood, ice storm, etc., until professional first responders arrive.

"Our CERT members receiving basic training in first-aid and triage, light search and rescue, small fire suppression, and, disaster scene organization as well as certification in CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation)," said Capt. Matt Brokaw, Fort Wayne Fire Department and Allen County CERT Director.  "CERT is a community self-help program used in times of disaster until professionals arrive," he added. 

He explains that CERT members are trained by local professionals including fire, law enforcement, emergency medical and emergency management personnel in skills that are needed for these disaster situations.  "These individuals have completed the 28-hour CERT Basic Academy and will be tested by this drill to employ the skills they have learned," said Brokaw.  "This is why we train, so we are as prepared as possible should the need arise."