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Ashland’s CERT training starts Thursday By Morgan Rothborne Updated: Oct 19, 2022 04:11 PM A A Ashland Fire and Rescue is preparing to hold its fall basic training for the Community Emergency Response Team, a free opportunity to learn how to help in the event of a major disaster. Starting Thursday, Oct. 20, volunteers will take a six-day training stretched over two weekends and culminating in a final disaster simulation. The training is part of a program stretching back to 1999, said Sydney Jenkins, fire and life safety specialist at Ashland Fire and Rescue. “In the event of another Almeda, they would be called out, or another major flood. ... Unfortunately we’re due for another one,” Jenkins said. “They’re called out for other things too.” In a recent Plaza fire, CERT volunteers provided support for first responders by testing their vitals signs and providing food and water to firefighters. Volunteers are taught disaster response skills, such as fire suppression and how to care for their own needs in the event of the worst-case scenario. “We always tell our members they need to help themselves and their families before helping their neighbors,” he said. CERT volunteers trained to help their own family can take the burden off Ashland Fire and Rescue and free firefighters to help those who can’t help themselves, he said. Some who attend the trainings join as standing volunteers, available for Ashland Fire and Rescue when they’re needed. Anyone who wants to attend must start Oct. 20, Jenkins said, and email [email protected] of their intent to attend. Some flexibility, mobility and the ability to easily lift 20 pounds is recommended, but some CERT volunteers are able to help despite health limitations. Another CERT training opportunity will be held in the spring. For more information, see www.ashland.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=541 . Reach Mail Tribune reporter Morgan Rothborne at [email protected] or 541-776-4487. Follow her on Twitter @MRothborne.