The Mid-South District will provide LERT Basic Chainsaw training on Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at Faith Lutheran Church, 405 Sheila Dr, Hopkinsville, KY 42240. The chainsaw training serves to increase our dedicated LERT volunteer's capabilities to help those who haven't the means or the skills to perform this dangerous work following a disaster. The District wants to equip LERT members with the ability to provide this service safely and efficiently.
Snack and lunch will be provided. Bottled water will be furnished at the site.
You must have previously completed the Basic LERT Training class to participate in LERT chainsaw training.
During the training, you will learn the following:
- Safe operation of a chainsaw
- Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
- Injury Prevention
- How to buck and limb fallen trees
- How to clear debris in a safe and efficient manner
Those ages 14-17 may attend the classroom portion and become a dragger but will not be able to become a puller or chainsaw operator until they have reached the age of 18.
The morning session is classroom lecture. All LERT qualified volunteers are invited to attend. The afternoon session is hands-on with a chainsaw. The morning session MUST be attended to participate in the afternoon (operations) session. To be authorized to use a chainsaw on LERT disaster responses as an LCMS Chainsaw Operator, you MUST attend BOTH the classroom and hands-on sessions. LERT Trainer will distribute all class materials.
Afternoon hands-on participants should bring, if they have: chainsaw, bar oil, gas/oil or synthetic fuel mix, chaps and Personal Protective Equipment (helmet, eye protection, gloves, and steel-toed work boots).
Participants must wear steel-toed work boots. Tennis shoes or sandals/flip flops are not allowed in the afternoon session. Outdoor work clothes and boots appropriate for the weather at the time. Shorts are not allowed.
Some chainsaws and PPEs will be available for training if you do not have your own. Those that are under the age of 18 will not be allowed to operate a chainsaw or work near saw operations.
Training costs:
- Morning and afternoon (LERT Qualified Chainsaw Operator) - $50.00
- Non-operator (Safety portion of the class) - $15.00
- Pay at the time of training. Cash in the appropriate amount and checks payable to Faith Lutheran Church - memo line: chainsaw training.
Class capacity is 15.
Should you have any questions, please contact Rev. Trae Fistler at 515-571-1378 or pastor@faithhopkinsville.com or you can contact the LERT Primary Chainsaw Trainer, Brian Mead at 859-576-1892 or Brian.t.mead2@gmail.com
