The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may affect their area. Earthquakes and wildfires are the disasters that most readily come to mind for Santa Cruz County, but they are not the only ones.
If there is a disaster, professional responders (fire, police) may not be immediately available to help. CERT training instructs people in basic emergency response skills, such as fire safety, light building search and rescue, team organization, and disaster emergency medical operations. Using this training, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace until professional help arrives.
There are active CERT Teams spread throughout Santa Cruz County who encourage people to join their Team by completing a CERT basic training class. The website “santacruzcountycert.org” allows one to find out when a class is available and to sign–up for a CERT Basic Class. The site also contains other useful information regarding how you may help your family, neighbors and communities prepare for possible disasters.
The next CERT Basic Training in Aptos starts Wednesday, April 26 lasting about 20 hours divided over 6 successive evenings, April 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 – from 6:30–10 p.m. Classes will be held at the Aptos/La Selva firehouse, 6834 Soquel Dr. Classes are free and graduates receive a backpack filled with personnel protective gear and supplies. To sign up for Cert training go to http://santacruzcountycert.org