Today's world requires individuals to take responsibility for their personal safety. A new course, being offered jointly by the Rochester Business Alliance and the Homeland Security Management Institute of Monroe, will help raise participants' awareness of how to stay safe.

The course, entitled "Civilian Safety Awareness Program," will be offered from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Rochester Business Alliance.

This interactive course, to be taught by Guy Rossi - a retired city police officer who now serves as program coordinator of curriculum development for the Homeland Security Management Institute - will engage participants in training drills, including how to use pepper spray and other self-defense techniques.

 "This is a proactive course, designed to teach ways to avoid dangerous encounters," Rossi said. "Everyone should take this course - men, women, business travelers, college students, nurses, retirees, commuters, real estate agents, people who like to walk for exercise - anyone who would like to feel more secure and less vulnerable."

Cost of the course is $80 per person, and includes a SABRE kit. Free parking is available in the parking lot at RBA, 150 State St. downtown.

To register, log on to www.RochesterBusinessAlliance.com and click on the calendar of events. For more information, call Amy Platenik at (585) 256-4632.