Two free events in July to teach young people ages 11-19 and adults 21 and over about basic disaster preparedness; Call St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office at 278-7628 to register

The C.E.R.T., or Community Emergency Response Team.

Teen-agers training training the Teen C.E.R.T. program.

Here’s a chance for St. Bernard Parish teen-agers and adults to learn at separate events about basic disaster preparedness response skills including CPR, fire safety and use of a fire extinguisher, search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations.

Sheriff James Pohlmann said St. Bernard parents looking for summer activities for their children ages 11-19 should consider a free 5-day camp being held July 13-17 at Belle Chasse Primary School at 539 F. Edward Hebert Blvd., off La. Hwy 406 in Belle Chasse.

A separate session for adults 21 and over is being held on Saturday and Sunday, July 18 and 19, at the same location in Belle Chasse.

He said this is the second year the Sheriff’s Office is participating in both events, in association with St. Bernard Parish government.

Parents registering teens and adults who want to register to take part themselves can call Capt. Charles Borchers of the Sheriff’s Office at (504) 278-7628. Registration should be done before July 6 because space is limited.

Lunch is provided free each day for participants.

One event is the Teen Community Emergency Response Team, or Teen CERT, and the other is CERT for adults, both similar to the old Civil Defense groups which trained volunteers for community emergencies. CERT and Teen CERT are under the overall umbrella of U.S. Homeland Security.

“Teen CERT is a fun way for young people to learn about important things including CPR, fire safety, water safety, leadership skills, with hands-on practices and realistic exercises that prepare you for the unexpected in your parish,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said. “There will also be team-building exercises, competitive events and recreational activities.’’

Young people and adults will learn how to do specific things such as proper use of a fire extinguisher, how to organize for search and rescue, terrorism awareness and field exercises with simulated disaster scenarios.

The teen camp is ideal for youth groups. Scouting groups, church groups and ROTC students, the sheriff said.

Parents or guardians will be required to fill out a registration form, a code of conduct form and permission forms.

Participants should be prepared for check-in before 9 a.m.