CERT Classes to begin January 24th

The next Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes will begin January 24, 2008. The classes will be held on Thursdays at 7:00 PM in the auditorium of the Community Center. There are seven classes in the CERT course and each class lasts about two to two and a half hours. The topics covered include: Introduction and Earthquake and Emergency 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. There is classroom and hands-on training.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, and if needed to form into teams that will assist the City of Santa Paula and others throughout the Santa Clara Valley. 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 is part of the National 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.