The AmeriCorps*VISTA members from Spokane Public Schools will facilitate a disaster drill in conjunction with the Spokane County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Spokane City Fire Department, and Spokane Valley City Fire Department.

This rodeo will be held on April 22, 2006 from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. at the Spokane Fire Training Center, 1618 North Rebecca in Spokane. The purpose is to allow middle school students to display the skills that they have learned in their after-school SERT training during the 2005-06 school year.

The concept of a SERT/CERT rodeo is for teams of trained individuals to participate in drills such as light search and rescue, cribbing, triage, and fire suppression. This allows SERT/CERT team members to practice their proficiency in a more realistic environment and to be evaluated on their skills so that they can continue to improve and be prepared for any disaster.

This is going to be a county-wide event in which we will encourage parents of the students, community members, and the media to attend to promote awareness about disaster preparedness.

Community members who have not had CERT training may participate by playing the role of victims in the disaster drill. Youth involvement by our SERT middle school students will empower them, giving them leadership roles and getting them involved in a community event.

If you have any questions please contact Tom Highfill.

Ready*Corps VISTA Leader
Spokane Public Schools
Student Support Services
Phone: (509) 354-7327
Fax: 354-5910
tomhi@spokaneschools.org