The Salvation Army will offer basic emergency disaster training in Binghamton on Saturday, April 5, and in Canandaigua on Saturday, May 17, 2008.

“Introduction to Emergency Disaster Services” will run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 127-131 Washington Street, Binghamton, and at 110 Saltonstall St., Canandaigua.

The course is free, and open to anyone who registers in advance. Materials and lunch will be provided. Register online, or contact Ann Vail at Empire State Divisional Headquarters at 1-800-836-7630.

Leslie Vattimo, a certified instructor and director of disaster services for the Empire State Division, said that volunteers completing the training can become certified through The Salvation Army in Basic Emergency Disaster Services and receive a Salvation Army photo ID.

“Participants will learn about The Salvation Army, its mission, how it operates in disaster situations, how they would fit in and what would be expected of them, including how they can best prepare and equip themselves for disaster relief,” Vattimo noted.

She said that disasters come in many forms, whether man-made or natural, and are “always devastating to those involved.” The Salvation Army is “on the scene because of its everyday presence in communities across the country,” Vattimo said, “and with its concern for people’s needs, The Salvation Army is often among the first to provide assistance when disaster strikes.”

“This training,” she continued, “is the first step for people who would like to become part of an Emergency Disaster Services team, ready to help their local community or even in a disaster elsewhere.”

This introductory course is a prerequisite for advanced disaster training in the Incident Command System, Food Service and Food Safety, First Aid/CPR, Emotional and Spiritual Care, plus additional specialized courses, she said. Vattimo is certified through the State Emergency Management Office (SEMO), the National Salvation Army, and Medic First Aid.

Register now. Go to the registration page or call Ann Vail at 1-800-836-7630.