In the immediate aftermath of a catastrophe, there is an excellent chance that neighborhoods will be left on their own. In these circumstances people often pitch in to help, but without training, they can make the situation worse, or injure themselves or others. However, it has been found that when citizens have a basic knowledge of disaster survival and rescue techniques, they are much more likely to survive until first responders or other help arrives.
The class is “An Introduction to the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).” Participants who complete the class will be able to:
- Organize supply gathering
- Perform triage and help the injured
- Perform simple search and rescue efforts
- Put out small fire and give instruction in fire safety
- Assess damage caused by a disaster
- Increase the disaster preparedness in their neighborhood
To be granted a certification of completion, participants have to attend all three days' training. The dates are September 12, 19, and 26, from 8.00 am until 5.00 pm, at the Training Room at Downey Fire Station No. 1. Participants must be at least 11 years of age, and those between 11 and 17 must have an adult with them. Poster printing can be used to create training aids for events like this.