BY BROOKE DAVIS
Kiwanic Club

At the Kiwanis October 6 meeting, Los Alamos County Emergency Management Coordinator Lance Fresquez of the Los Alamos Community Preparedness Team (LACPT) gave a presentation on the program’s purpose, structure, training, and goals. The purpose of the program is to prepare local interested volunteer residents to help with outreach on preparedness issues and, when requested, provide support during emergencies and disasters. They will not serve as first responders, but will help increase community awareness, support local events, and serve in non-responsive roles.

With the goals of enhancing public safety and community resilience, the LACPT, operating under the Los Alamos Office of Emergency Management, trains and equips volunteers to support preparedness efforts and serve in support capacities during Emergency Operations Center activations. The training program is modeled after the FEMA Emergency Management Response program and requires completion on online FEMA Independent Study Courses.

The LACPT Basic Training is conducted in person and covers units in LACPT organization training, disaster preparedness training, emergency drills and exercises, LAC Emergency Operations Center overview, and basic first aid.

Volunteers must be 18 years or older.

The first training class will be held in November and those interested in applying for future sessions are encouraged to fill out an LACPT application, available on the County website.

Editor’s note: https://www.losalamosnm.gov/Community/Community-health/Emergency-Management/Los-Alamos-Community-Preparedness-Team. Initial training is November 14. Deadline for applications is Oct. 21. For more information contact Lance Fresquez, County Emergency Management Coordinator lance.fresquez@losalamosnm.gov