[StBernard] St. Bernard teens may attend basic disaster preparedness camp in Metairie

[Westley Annis]

St. Bernard teens may attend basic disaster preparedness camp in Metairie
and disaster medical operations.

Sheriff James Pohlmann said St. Bernard parents looking for summer
activities for sons and daughters ages 12-19 should consider a free
three-day camp teaching basic disaster preparedness being held July 17-19 at
Lafreniere Park in Metairie. He said the Sheriff's Office is participating.

The event is the Teen Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, which is
similar to the old Civil Defense groups that trained volunteers for
community emergencies. CERT and Teen CERT are under the overall umbrella of
U.S. Homeland Security.

"It promises to be a fun way for young people to learn about important
things including leadership, with hands-on practices and realistic exercises
that prepare you for the unexpected in your parish,'' Pohlmann said. "There
will also be team-building exercises, competitive events and recreational
activities.''

Young people will learn how to do specific things such as proper use of a
fire extinguisher, how to organize for search and rescue, terrorism
awareness and field exercises with simulated disaster scenarios.

A free lunch will be provided each of the three days of the camp. Those with
special dietary needs can bring their own food.

To register, call Capt. Charles Borchers of the Sheriff's Office at (504)
278-7628. The deadline for registration is July 11. Parents or guardians
will be required to fill out a registration form, a code of conduct form and
permission forms.

 Those who would like to join the adult CERT group being coordinated by the
Sheriff's Office can also call Borchers.

Participants should be prepared for check-in at the Foundation center in
Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Boulevard, before 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 17
and Friday, July 18 and before 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 19. Enter the park
on West Napoleon Avenue. Families can attend the final day, when awards will
be presented.

The information in this article was provided by the St. Bernard Sheriff's
Office Director of Public Information Steve Cannizaro.