CERT - DISASTER PREPAREDNESS TRAINING!
Recently I enrolled in a 7-week disaster preparedness training class offered by the Los Angeles Fire Department called “CERT” (Community Emergency Response Team). This program developed in Los Angeles is offered in every state and 6 foreign countries. In California you can check here and find a wealth of information. In other states check here. There will be a link for your state. Catastrophic events may severely restrict and absolutely overwhelm fire and police departments, disrupt communications, transportation and major utilities and knowlegeable private citizens will have to be able to respond.
So far I am sure this sounds all very dry but believe me when I the say it has been fascinating, challenging and just plain fun! Maybe it is OUR Firefighter Shapiro who makes it fun but the group I am taking it with is more than pleased. We had an amazing experience last week - we learned to put out a real fire with fire extinguishers! Very empowering if you have never handled one! Two firefighters set up a controlled 3-4 foot fire in a large parking lot and we worked in teams of two to put it out. Other clases will include disaster triage and patient assessment, setting up a incident command system, disaster psychology and probelms with terrorism incidents.
The purpose is to provide private citizens the basic skills needed to handle their own needs and the needs of their community in the aftermath of a disaster. This is crucial where I live (earthquake country) but every area is prone to some kind of disaster. I really encourage you to look at the web sites I listed, take the course and get involved. In case you think this sounds beyond your abilities I actually asked our instructor this question, - Sir, I am a 5′ tall senior who is not going to be much help with search and rescue! And his answer - wrong, you WILL be able, after this course, to assess the needs of your area and can lead us directly to where our skills and equipement are needed when we are able to get to your area. Excellent point! SO, Just Do It!