My wife and I have just begun our CERT course (Community Emergency Response Training). We have only done 2 (of the 8) sessions and I can already recommend this to you. This FEMA sponsered training is available in many communities in the US.<br><br>The training is basic, and many things will probably be old hat to Forum members, but I have already found 2 significant advantages to the training.<br><br>1. My wife is [color:red]INTERESTED</font color=red> in the training and the need to prepare basic supplies (72 hr kit), figure out where gas, electrical, water shut-offs are located and how and when to use them etc. This is the first time all my blabbing about buying stuff, packing stuff, making lists of emergency numbers, participating in HAM radio emergency nets etc has finally started to make sense. This is a HUGE advantage.<br><br>2. Getting to know the local firefighters and community members and forming CERT teams with assigned responsibilites will be great. The training is general in many aspects but "localized" by the instructors. This basic knowledge coupled with local conditions that may contribute to disasters is very valuable. Also FORUM member contributions to the group training will make it even better.<br><br>I encourage you to check out this training in your area <br> CERT Training by State