Prepare4.Org

Learn how to Prepare4 anything.

"Prepare4 the worst and hope....you have prepared well enough"

Become a C.E.R.T. Team Member

Free Classes Being Offered Through:

•  The El Cajon Fire Department
•  The Los Angeles County Fire Department

 Q. What is C.E.R.T.?

A. It is the Community Emergency Response Team.

The (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.

CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

Q. How do I become a Volunteer?

A. Complete the free classroom and drill training offered by a local government agency such as the emergency management agency, fire or police department.

More Information

To learn more about this interesting and meaningful opportunity select an information link:

• The CERT Web Site

• IS317 Course Overview

"Introduction to Community Emergency Response Teams", IS- 317, is an independent study course that serves as an introduction to CERT for those wanting to complete training or as a refresher for current team members.

It has six modules with topics that include:

1. An Introduction to CERT
2. Fire Safety
3. Hazardous Material and Terrorist Incidents
4. Disaster Medical Operations
5. Search and Rescue
6. Summary

The IS-317 can be taken by anyone interested in CERT. However, to become a CERT volunteer, one must complete the classroom training offered by a local government agency such as the emergency management agency, fire or police department.

What if? Scenario

In 2003, the Northeast region of the United States, Italy and London,England experienced power blackouts.

What if you are caught in a power blackout?

What would you do?

How would your preparedness plan help you?

Look for a blackout preparedness article along with your comments in a coming E-edition!