BEND, OR -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with Central Oregon Community College to offer Community Emergency Response Team training. DCSO Emergency Services Manager Sgt. Nathan Garibay tells KBND News, "That training is designed to help develop neighborhood groups that, during a significant disaster, would allow neighbors to help neighbors before public safety would be able to respond."

He says “CERT” teams are also a good way for organizations and agencies to make sure their members are ready to respond during an emergency. "We want to be able to have that training in place to support them. Certainly, the Sheriff’s Office wants to encourage community members to take advantage of training and opportunities to meet with their neighbors and encourage each other to be more prepared." Several informational meetings are offered, starting Friday, for those interested in learning more.

As part of National Preparedness Month, the Sheriff’s Office is also offering disaster planning tips and virtual trainings on its social media platforms. Sgt. Garibay encourages everyone to get ready for any kind of emergency, like "Winter storms, obviously wildland fires, earthquakes. And so, it’s important for people to be aware of the risks and be able to develop a plan and have a kit available to help them weather that storm or whatever disaster might come." 

Visit Deschutes County's Emergency Management website to download the county's preparedness handbook, and for information on how to build an emergency kit.