The word from Washington, D.C., is that we should be ready, not
afraid, as a response to the on-going terrorist threat. In the
event of a major emergency, professional service workers (police,
fire and EMTs) will be overwhelmed and unable to respond
immediately to every need.
The word from Washington, D.C., is that we should be ready, not afraid, as a response to the on-going terrorist threat. In the event of a major emergency, professional service workers (police, fire and EMTs) will be overwhelmed and unable to respond immediately to every need.
Area residents can learn how to prepare for major risks and threats before an event and what to do for themselves and their families until help arrives. Citizens can prepare by taking, at no charge, a new set of disaster preparedness classes scheduled by the South County Neighborhood Disaster Preparedness Project and the Morgan Hill Police Department, Office of Emergency Services.
“CERT classes offer training in disaster first aid, search and rescue, fire suppression, hazardous materials, communications and many other vital areas,” said Deborah Suzuki, an OES volunteer. “Instructors are usually professionals in a related field and certified FEMA instructors.” Classes have some lecture but are largely “hands-on” for everyone. Classes are appropriate for ages 10 and up and participants do not need to commit to attend the entire course, because classes will be offered again this year.
The Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) classes begin Tuesday, April 1, and continue every Tuesday through May 13 from 7:30-10:30 p.m. at the California Department of Forestry (CDF) station at 15670 Monterey Road just south of Vineyard Boulevard. Suzuki is a member of South County Neighborhood Preparedness Presenters (SCNDPP), the volunteer group which provides the instructors.
“We also plan to offer the class in Spanish again this year,” Suzuki said. “If people are interested in signing up for a class in Spanish, have them give me a call,” she said.
Class size is limited to 30 students and reservations are necessary. There is no charge for the classes. For details or to register, contact Paul Staudenmaier at pa***@****ic.com or 776-1225; or Deborah Suzuki at js*****@****ic.com or 779-1722.
