'Prepare Because You Care', a free lifesaving training

EDGEWOOD, Md — When it comes to emergencies and disasters, it's not a question of if but when, where and will you be prepared; so a training in Harford County is arming people with lifesaving knowledge.

"We’re teaching them tidbits that they can use to help their neighbors, help their family and hopefully recover from a disaster or save a life," said Edward Hopkins, who oversees the program.

The Harford County Department of Emergency Services hosted a 4-part free training called 'Prepare Because You Care.' Around 30 people learned things like strategies during an active shooter situation, how to use a fire extinguisher, an AED and CPR.

"Last week, we were shown how to do different kinds of wounds, how to stop the bleeding, put tourniquets on and so forth and I thought that was really helpful," said Mary Leicht, who just graduated form the course.

She and her husband Harry took it together as a refresher.

"I think it’s important to know how to save somebody's life, especially children because children get into everything," Mary said.

"You never know where you’re gonna be when there's going to be an accident; you may be the first one on the scene,"Harry said.

The county offers the training a few times a year and Hopkins says this is one of their biggest classes yet.

"I think more people are cognizant of what’s going on around the world. They see, unfortunately, disasters and events occurring, everywhere from active shooter situation to hostage situations and bombings. I think they see the violence around the world. I think people are generally concerned what will I do if this happens to me," Hopkins said.

Wednesday night, they graduated as prepared citizens, the people you'll want around if a disaster were to strike.

"I don’t care what age you are, I think it’s important to be able to do these things or be knowledgeable enough to help someone do them," Mary said.

The next free training starts mid-March at the Whiteford Volunteer Fire Company.