Emergency Response Training For San Leandro Residents

(If a disaster struck would you know what to do until help arrived? Register now for emergency response training starting Jan. 19th at the Main Public Library.)

What is CERT?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) began promoting nationwide use of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) concept in 1994 from the model created by the Los Angeles City Fire Department. The purpose of CERT is to train people living in Alameda County to take care of themselves, their families and their neighbors in the event of a disaster.

Why Do We Need CERT?

After several large scale disasters such as 9/11, the Oakland Hills Fire and the Loma Prieta earthquake, there was a realization that not all emergency services personnel will be able to reach everyone right away. Therefore, communities may have to tend to their own minor emergencies before help arrives.

CERT Training

CERT members are taught by Alameda County Fire Department staff and reserves. CERT members are taught basic fire suppression, utility control, light search and rescue, triage and shock treatment. Other topics include putting together your own disaster kit, disaster psychology and disaster incident management. The training involves attending all six evening sessions for a total of about 20 hours. The training format is lectures, interactive skills based training, and it concludes with a hands-on exercise to practice the skills that were just learned.

Who do we teach?

Neighborhood Watch, Home Owner’s Associations, community based organizations, civic or advocacy groups, condominium owners and dense urban housing complex residents.

To register for the class, please visit www.acfdcert.eventbrite.com and select the Jan/Feb class

Classes are on six consecutive Thursdays starting January 19th, from 6:30-9:30pm. Dates are January 19th, 26th, February 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd.

They will be held ar the San Leandro Library, Karp Room, 300 Estudillo Ave, San Leandro CA

For more information: by phone (510-618-3492) or by email: CERT@acgov.org