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Zatzkin To Share Story As Deaf CERT Leader - The Times Record: Features
The first deaf Houston resident to become certified in Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will share her story in Fort Smith.
Nicole Zatzkin will discuss her experience and ambition at 7 p.m. Saturday at Mission United Methodist Church, 721 N. 10th St. She has used her skills to help and serve people in other countries during and following disasters, said Dee Mathes, director of deaf ministries at Mission United Methodist Church.
"Nicole is an inspiration for the deaf and hearing community," Mathes said. "With many organizations that respond to disasters, the deaf and elderly are always the last to be considered for training. We are hoping to help change that."
Zatzkin first heard about the CERT program in late 2009. Shortly afterward, she took the course, which was developed by the Los Angeles Fire Department in 1985. The eight-week course prepares people for the aftermath of disasters and is offered in more than 3,000 cities and communities throughout the United States.
CERT subjects include disaster medical operations, fire safety, organization and disaster psychology, terrorism and search and rescue. Participants also undergo a simulation of a disaster and gain skills and knowledge on how to help themselves, their families and their community.
"It's exciting because Nicole was the first deaf person in Houston to get CERT-certified, and now there is a team, and she's the team leader," Mathes said.
Mathes said she and others have made two trips to Haiti to help with deaf children. She said she hopes to help more in the coming months.
"We're working on getting a something established here in Fort Smith with CERT," Mathes said. "Hopefully, that will happen."
Light refreshments will be served during Zatzkin's presentation
The first deaf Houston resident to become certified in Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will share her story in Fort Smith.
Nicole Zatzkin will discuss her experience and ambition at 7 p.m. Saturday at Mission United Methodist Church, 721 N. 10th St. She has used her skills to help and serve people in other countries during and following disasters, said Dee Mathes, director of deaf ministries at Mission United Methodist Church.
"Nicole is an inspiration for the deaf and hearing community," Mathes said. "With many organizations that respond to disasters, the deaf and elderly are always the last to be considered for training. We are hoping to help change that."
Zatzkin first heard about the CERT program in late 2009. Shortly afterward, she took the course, which was developed by the Los Angeles Fire Department in 1985. The eight-week course prepares people for the aftermath of disasters and is offered in more than 3,000 cities and communities throughout the United States.
CERT subjects include disaster medical operations, fire safety, organization and disaster psychology, terrorism and search and rescue. Participants also undergo a simulation of a disaster and gain skills and knowledge on how to help themselves, their families and their community.
"It's exciting because Nicole was the first deaf person in Houston to get CERT-certified, and now there is a team, and she's the team leader," Mathes said.
Mathes said she and others have made two trips to Haiti to help with deaf children. She said she hopes to help more in the coming months.
"We're working on getting a something established here in Fort Smith with CERT," Mathes said. "Hopefully, that will happen."
Light refreshments will be served during Zatzkin's presentation