Community Emergency Response Team C.E.R.T is looking for GT Residents
The C.E.R.T. program provides participants with "hands-on" practical training that will enable them to effectively plan for and respond to an earthquake, or other emergencies in and around their neighborhood. The Rialto Fire Department personnel will be teaching the course for Grand Terrace residents. C.E.R.T. is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number.
Introduction to C.E.R.T.
CERT was first established by the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1986. In 1993, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), using LAFD's model, began promoting nationwide use of the CERT concept. Since then, C.E.R.T. has been established in all 50 states.
The need for C.E.R.T. Teams
Local government prepares for everyday emergencies. However, during a disaster, the number and scope of incidents can overwhelm conventional emergency services. Fire and Police personnel will be unable to provide services to all those that need assistance. Community members face a tremendous responsibility for the safety and welfare of their family members day-to-day, especially in the event of an emergency. This valuable course is designed to help you protect yourself, your family, your neighbors and your neighborhood in an emergency situation.
Training
Upon completing the C.E.R.T. training participants will be able to:
Extinguish small fires and control building utilities
Perform safe and effective search and rescue procedures
Recognize and treat many life threatening injuries involving multiple victims
Establish treatment areas for the continued care of those injured until professional assistance is available
Easily interface with professional emergency responders due to the knowledge in fire and police terminology and procedures.
Determine the types of supplies necessary to assist family and neighbors
The initial training is followed by continuing education program. These sessions - drills and refresher classes - are offered periodically, and give
C.E.R.T. graduates a chance to sharpen and update their skills. Some supplies will be provided; optional material will be supplied by the student.
What role does C.E.R.T. play in an emergency?
Be better prepared to deal with events that might otherwise seem overwhelming
Recognize any potential hazards, and take steps to safely assist, or get assistance
Assume a leadership role with both those who are or are not trained to deal with the event.
Allow better allocation of emergency resources by being more capable of "sizing up" a situation and properly advising emergency responders
Take steps to get to safety and/or help others to do so in a more organized manner
Identify, organize, and utilize available resources
Perform needs assessment, document, and communicate needs to local authorities
Assist others with the emotional distress associated with major emergencies and disaster conditions
Why should I sign up for C.E.R.T. training?
It's like paying for car insurance. You might never need either; you'd hope not to. But if the occasion arises, having the CERT training, just like having car insurance, means you're as ready as you can be to help yourself, your family and your neighborhood.
How can I receive the training?
The next C.E.R.T. class will start on October 12th and will continue every Wednesday evening until November 16th. Start time is 6:00 p.m. and will last until 10:00p.m. The location of the training is Rialto Fire Station #203 located at 1550 N. Ayala (near Rialto Airport). You must attend all sessions in order to receive a course completion certificate. You must wear sturdy shoes. All other materials will be provided. Any program costs will be covered by the City of Grand Terrace, EOC fund. Call (909)820-2501 to register.
Future C.E.R.T. classes will be offered in February 2006 and June 2006. Classes are either scheduled one per week for three weeks or one per week for six weeks. Attendance is required for all class days.
Classes are open to all City of GT citizens who are at least 18 years old.
