The City of Redlands is joining a state and federal network of Community Emergency Response Teams and hopes to recruit residents to train in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
The city plans to host its first CERT course of 2013 in October. The 20-hour training program is scheduled at Redlands Community Center 111 W. Lugonia Ave. over a span of three days:
- 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday Oct. 18
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday Oct. 19
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Oct. 20
"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," Redlands spokesman Carl Baker said in a statement. "CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community."
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be invited to join the City of Redlands CERT team, Baker said.
For more info about CERT programs in California and nationwide visit www.fema.gov/community-emergency-response-teams or www.citizencorps.gov.
Anyone interested may register on the city's website at www.cityofredlands.org/node/915, or contact city Emergency Operations Manager Fay Glass at fglass@cityofredlands.org or (909) 335-4705.
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