GRAY – The Gray Region Citizen Corps will provide a class to learn and practice the use of small fire extinguishers at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11.

Students will learn when it is appropriate to use an extinguisher and when it is not. The class is the first in a series for area residents, willing to pitch in to help in their neighborhood or business during a disaster, known as the Community Emergency Response Team program.

Such teams work together to provide immediate help to a business or neighborhood. They respond as a team during a large event such as a tornado, which causes a widespread emergency beyond the resources of fire-rescue responders.

Upcoming classes will also teach basic medical treatment, light search and rescue, decision-making and teamwork. Such teams work under the coordination of local emergency officials.

Enrollment in the program is not required to attend the introductory fire extinguisher class, which will be held at the Gray Public Safety Building at 125 Shaker Road (Route 26).

The public is encouraged either to bring their own fire extinguisher or bring a $5 fee to cover recharging those provided. Free practice with water extinguishers will be available as an alternative. Work gloves and safety glasses are also recommended.

For more information see www.citizencorps.gov. Messages for the Gray Region Citizen Corps may be left at Gray Public Safety, 657-3931.