AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Planning Office will host a combined training course for individuals interested in becoming members of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) or an OSHA 7600 Disaster Site Worker.

It will be a second training opportunity for volunteers interested in helping fellow community members during a disaster situation, said a press release from the tribe.

The training will begin Monday, March 26, from 6-9 p.m. at the Akwesasne Housing Authority’s Training Center located at 378 State Route 37. A meal will be provided.

The course will entail ten training sessions, which will convene from March 26 until May 2nd.

Instructors will include staff from the SRMT emergency planning office; SRMT safety officer Adrian McDonald, who is a certified state fire instructor and member of the Hogansburg-Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department; Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Chief of Police Matthew Rourke and others.

The CERT and Disaster Site Worker training course will educate and prepare volunteers for different types of hazards that may affect the community of Akwesasne.

Individuals will receive training on the National Incident Management System, fire safety and suppression, health hazard, light search and rescue, and demolition and debris removal, to name a few topics.

When successfully completed, CERT members will possess knowledge of the consistent and nationwide-accepted approach for responding to disaster situations, said a press release from the tribe. They will provide invaluable support needed for professional first responders to prioritize and focus on emergency responses that are more urgent.

Disaster Site Worker training will enhance skilled support services often needed during and after an incident; such as utility, demolition, debris removal, or heavy equipment operation, the press release said.

The course will make site workers aware of the differences between disaster sites and regular construction or demolition worksites, and help emphasize how pre-incident training is essential for ensuring site worker safety and health.

The SRMT Emergency Planning Office is hoping to reach or surpass the number of twelve volunteers who participated in CERT training provided last year.

To participate, individuals must be 16 years old or older and can register by calling the SRMT Emergency Planning Office at 518-358-2272 ext. 2210, or ext. 2230.