Starting a CERT Program
Step 5: Tailoring Training
Revising the Word Files
As you update the CERT materials, you will want to update the Instructor Guide and Participant Manual to ensure that they are consistent with the message your instructors present and to make them specific to your community's program. Revising the Instructor Guide and Participant Manual can be very easy if you take a few precautions.
Tips for Revising Word Files
- Always revise with the "paragraph" symbols visible. The "paragraph" symbol will be located at the top of your screen if you have the Standard toolbar turned on. If you cannot find the icon, click "View," then "Toolbars" to ensure that the Standard toolbar is turned on.
While you may find these symbols annoying for routine work, they are important when revising the course materials because, along with hard returns, you will also be able to view page breaks and, more importantly, section breaks.
- Don't delete section breaks. The page headers and footers are linked to section breaks. If you delete a section break, the header and footer may become incorrect. If you inadvertently delete a section break, click the "undo" button at the top of the screen immediately.
- Think before adding photographs to the Word file. The visuals in the Word files (both Instructor Guide and Participants Manual) currently meet the requirements for accessibility to the disabled, as required under Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you add photographs to the visuals in the Word files (or anywhere else in the Word files, for that matter), you must include captions describing the photos to remain compliant. Also, photos will increase the file size and may not reproduce well when you copy the training materials.
- Don't use macros. Macros are a great way to save keystrokes but leave your files susceptible to macro viruses. It's better to use more keystrokes.
- Just type the changes. The basic formatting for the Word files is coded in the documents themselves. Headers will be available to you by clicking on the "style" pop-down menu at the top of your screen. If you are not adding a header, your computer will default to the "Normal" style.
To Update Word Documents
- Open the document that you wish to update.
- Scroll or use CTRL + PAGE DOWN to find the area of the text you wish to change.
- To add text, left click at the point of insertion and type the text.
- To delete text, use the mouse to highlight the text that you wish to delete. Then, press DELETE. If you accidentally delete something that you want to remain in the text, click the undo icon at the top of the screen.
- If you wish to add an icon in the left column, just find that icon anywhere in the document. Copy it, and paste it where you want it.