CERT Training Prepares You for Disaster

Are you ready for a major earthquake or other disaster? Will you know what to do in the aftermath?

If the answer is no, then Community Emergency Response Team training (CERT) is for you. The eight-week course will show you how to prepare yourself, your family and neighborhood for a natural or man-made disaster, and learn the skills that can make a difference in the aftermath of a serious event.

CERT training will give you hands-on training in:

• Operating fire extinguishers
• Emergency medical techniques
• Handling utilities (knowing when and how to turn them off)
• Search and rescue

Rodeo-Hercules Fire District (RHFD) personnel will offer the course free of charge to residents of all ages. The first class will be held on Sept. 22 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

To date, 239 citizens have completed the RHFD CERT training program. Three graduates of CERT training responded to Florida during fall 2004 hurricans, serving as FEMA community relations officers, the RHFD website states.

For more information on the classes, or to sign up, call 510-799-4561.