New CERT classes beginning
January 11, 2012
Santa Paula News
The next Community Emergency Response Team classes will begin March 6th, 2012.
The classes will be held on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM for 7 weeks in the Cultural Arts building at the Community Center complex.
There are seven classes in the CERT course and each class lasts about 2 1/2 hours. The topics covered include: Introduction to CERT, General Emergency Preparedness and Earthquake Awareness, Disaster Fire Suppression Techniques, two sessions of Disaster Medical Operations and preparing for Multi-Casualty Incidents, Light Search and Rescue Techniques and Operations, Team Organization and Management and a Course Review and Disaster Simulation.
The CERT system developed from the need for a well-trained community emergency work force. The training program provides course graduates with self-sufficiency through the development of a wide range of skills. The graduates will be able to use the skills taught during emergencies and disasters in their homes, neighborhoods, at school and at the work place. The skills learned will be a life long asset.
The training is free but class size is limited. The training is intended for adults and preference will be given to Santa Paula residents. CERT training in Spanish will be offered later in the year.
CERT is part of the Department of Homeland Security and is under the umbrella of the local and national Citizen Corps. The Citizen Corps is Homeland Security’s grassroots effort that localizes preparedness messages and provides opportunities for citizens to get emergency response training participate in community exercises and volunteer to support local first responders.
Visit Santa Paula’s CERT and emergency preparedness websites at www.SantaPaulaCERT.com or www.ReadySantaPaula.com or visit the Ventura County CERT website at http://fire.countyofventura.org/CERT
To take the CERT class, to learn more or to get involved call 805-933-4297 and leave a voice message or by e-mail at slazenby@spcity.org
