Disaster response course offered in Port Washington

A free course offering training for individuals to become Community Emergency Response Team members will be held beginning March 21 in Port Washington, North Hempstead Councilwoman Dina DeGiorgio said.

The Nassau County program, which trains participants in basic disaster response and recovery skills, will be led by the county’s Office of Emergency Management at Atlantic Hook and Ladder Company (25 Carlton Ave.).

The course is from 7 to 10 p.m. once a week for six weeks, with the final class May 2. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Topics covered include fire safety, search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations.

Visit Nassau County's Community Emergency Response Team page for more information and to sign up.

Above, Eileen Hendrickson, a Community Emergency Response Team volunteer, sets up cots at Nassau Community College for an emergency drill happening simultaneously throughout the New York Region that simulates an actual disaster response due to power outages and flooding from a hurricane or major weather related event. (June 12, 2010)