The Redmond Police and Fire Departments are pleased to offer a free information session about three programs that make your community better prepared for emergencies and disasters.

The session takes place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25 at the Redmond Police Department Training Room, 8701 160th Ave. NE.

It includes introductions to Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Map Your Neighborhood and Neighborhood Watch.

• When disaster hits, CERT prepares you to stand alone until local agencies are able to respond. The full training class educates people about basic hands-on disaster response skills, such as small fire suppression and how to care for yourself, your family, and if you choose, establish a team in your neighborhood. (Please note, this information session does not certify you as a CERT “graduate,” but will give you information and demonstration on what is covered in the full class.)

• Map Your Neighborhood prepares you for the first steps to take immediately following a disaster. Learn to secure your home, protect your neighborhood, identify skills and equipment your neighborhood can utilize and create a neighborhood map showing the locations of natural gas meters, propane tanks and neighbors with special needs.

• Neighborhood Watch builds community and safety within neighborhoods. It encourages neighbors to look out for neighbors through communication, organization and education. Know your neighbors, where crimes occur, how to prevent crimes, and how to best report crimes.