Local residents are being encouraged by Nassau County officials to become a CERT member.

Anyone can become a member of CERT free of charge. An eight week basic training course is required, and additional training classes and hands-on exercises are also available to obtain further knowledge.

The eight-week basic training class is being offered on Mondays from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the New York Institute of Technology, Northern Boulevard between Glen Cove Road and Route 107, Old Westbury:

* • October 27 - Light Search & Rescue

* • November 3 - Terrorism, Disaster Psychology, Assisting the Disabled

* • November 10 - Fire suppression and Table Top Exercise

* • November 17 - Shelter Introduction & Table Top

* • November 24 - Disaster Triage

* • December 1 - Community Outreach, Radio Operation, Graduation.

* Doors open at 1 p.m. Instructors are available for questions to 5 p.m.

For further information, or to sign up for Basic Training, contact the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management at 573-0648 or visit the website at:

http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/OEM/CC/CERT