[DupontForum] Launching of Citizen Preparedness Academy

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Serve DC Launches Local Neighborhood Preparedness Academy

WASHINGTON - (April 10, 2007) - Neighborhood Corps of the DC Citizen Corps, an integral component of the city government's emergency response team, is launching the Neighborhood Corps Academy April 14, 2007, 9 am at the Fire Training Academy. 

The Neighborhood Corps Academy will act as a medium for all volunteer emergency response teams (i.e. CERT, DAT), throughout the District.  The Neighborhood Corps Academy will disperse information via classrooms sessions and practical learning opportunities.

 Neighborhood Corps members live, work, or worship in the District of Columbia.  Every member of a Neighborhood Corps Cluster Team is trained in emergency preparedness and response through an approved program such as the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training.    Neighborhood Corps members will meet regularly to participate in neighborhood-based training, presentations by other Emergency Preparedness partner organizations, table-top exercises and full-field exercises.  These sessions are customizable and designed to meet neighborhood-specific needs. 

Consisting of 5 classes instructed by Metropolitan Police Department, DC Fire/EMS, District Department of Transportation, and the Emergency Management Agency, the Neighborhood Corps Academy will be held in the spring and at the end of the summer, leading into September which is Emergency Preparedness Month. 

"Particularly in the District of Columbia, where our nation's capitol is located, it is inspiring to see so many agencies working together for the safety of all Washingtonians," said Millicent Williams, Serve DC's Executive Director, in praise of the citywide efforts.

The Neighborhood Corps Academy will prepare participants to educate their families, friends and neighbors about emergency preparedness, as well as respond to local emergencies before professionals reach the scene.

To register on-line visit serve.dc.gov under DC Citizen's Corps.

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dy

Dy Brown

Executive Office of the Mayor

Serve DC

Communications Director

w 202.727.7931, c 202.615.0094

 dy.brown@dc.gov