CERT First Annual "Mock Disaster" Exercise Set For April 26 At Mills Pond Park

Matt Little, Public Information Specialist
(954) 828-4732 or MLittle@fortlauderdale.gov

Fort Lauderdale - The City of Fort Lauderdale’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will sharpen their skills at a disaster response exercise on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at Mills Pond Park.

The exercise will simulate a tornado heavily damaging a crowded recreation center at the Park. In this scenario, graduates of Fort Lauderdale’s CERT Program will serve as first responders to the emergency. CERT members will engage in triage, patient treatment and transport, search and rescue, cribbing and fire suppression.

The City is calling for volunteers to perform as mock victims of the disaster. Students who volunteer will receive eight hours of community service credit.

There is no registration fee to participate, however pre-registration is required. The deadline to register is 5pm, Tuesday, April 22nd. Registration forms are available online at www.fortlauderdale.gov/fire-rescue/cert or by calling 954.828.6826.

Event check-in for the April 26th exercise begins at 7am. The exercise runs from 9am – 1pm. The park is located at 2201 NW 9th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale.

Park users and neighbors should not expect road closures or inconveniences. The event is centered on the grounds around the recreation center.

The news media is invited to participate.