Get emergency preparedness through CERT
Citizens can help their neighbors during a disaster by signing up for the next Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training session.
The CERT program prepares volunteers to be ready for emergencies and hazards by training them in basic response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using what they learn in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace should professional responders not be immediately available to help following an event like a heavy storm, earthquake or fire.
“We need to learn how to take of ourselves, and that's what CERT's all about,” said Yuma County Emergency Management Director Gretchen Robinson.
Yuma County Emergency Management will conduct the next free CERT training course on the following dates:
• Friday, Jan. 11, 6-8:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Jan. 12, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Friday, Jan. 25, 6-8:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Jan. 26, 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Participants must attend all of the class dates to complete the course. They can be as young as 9th grade, making the program ideal for explorer or scout groups.
The classes will be held at Faith Horizon Church, at 8519 E. 24th St. in the Foothills, although participants do not need to live in the Foothills to attend this session or apply what they learn.
Robinson said she had six people signed up as of Thursday and needs 10 to make the course go. She can take up to 24. Participants have until Jan. 9 to sign up.
Pre-register for the classes by either filling out the online application at www.yumacountyaz.gov/certapplication or by emailing CERT.Yuma@gmail.com.
Contact Don Vickers at 304-0785 or Robinson at 373-1093 for more information.
