What is the focus of CERT course session 1?

The focus of the first session of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course is disaster preparedness. This session is designed to provide participants with an understanding of the types of disasters that can occur in their community and the importance of planning ahead. It emphasizes creating personal and family emergency plans, conducting hazard assessments, and understanding the resources available for dealing with emergencies.

By fostering awareness and preparedness, the course aims to empower individuals to take action before, during, and after a disaster strikes, ensuring they are equipped to respond effectively and protect themselves and their communities. Other topics, such as fire suppression techniques, medical operations, and light search and rescue operations, are generally covered in later sessions, focusing on specific skills and tactics that build upon the foundational knowledge gained in the first session.