Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
The C.E.R.T. program provides participants with "hands-on" practical training that will enable them to effectively plan for and respond to an earthquake, or other emergencies in and around their neighborhood. Rialto Fire Department personnel specifically trained in disaster response procedures will be teaching the course. C.E.R.T. is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number.
The Rialto Fire Department Fire Department is pleased to provide disaster preparedness training for the citizens of Rialto .
Introduction to C.E.R.T.- The C.E.R.T. program provides participants with "hands-on" practical training that will enable them to effectively plan for and respond to an earthquake, or other emergencies in and around their neighborhood. Rialto Fire Department personnel specifically trained in disaster response procedures will be teaching the course. C.E.R.T. is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number.
CERT was first established by the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1986. In 1993, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), using LAFD's model, began promoting nationwide use of the CERT concept. Since then, C.E.R.T. has been established in all 50 states.
The need for C.E.R.T. teams- Local government prepares for everyday emergencies. However, during a disaster, the number and scope of incidents can overwhelm conventional emergency services. Fire and Police personnel will be unable to provide services to all those that need assistance. Community members face a tremendous responsibility for the safety and welfare of their family members day-to-day, especially in the event of an emergency. This valuable course is designed to help you protect yourself, your family, your neighbors and your neighborhood in an emergency situation.
Training- Upon completing the C.E.R.T. training participants will be able to:
- Extinguish small fires and control building utilities
- Perform safe and effective search and rescue procedures
- Recognize and treat many life threatening injuries involving multiple victims
- Easily interface with professional emergency responders due to the knowledge in fire and police terminology and procedures.
- Determine the types of supplies necessary to assist family and neighbors
The initial training is followed by continuing education program. These sessions - drills and refresher classes - are offered periodically, and give C.E.R.T. graduates a chance to sharpen and update their skills. Some supplies will be provided; optional material will be supplied by the student.
What role does C.E.R.T. play in an emergency?
- Be better prepared to deal with events that might otherwise seem overwhelming
- Recognize any potential hazards, and take steps to safely assist, or get assistance
- Assume a leadership role with both those who are or are not trained to deal with the event.
- Allow better allocation of emergency resources by being more capable of "sizing up" a situation and properly advising emergency responders
- Take steps to get to safety and/or help others to do so in a more organized manner
- Identify, organize, and utilize available resources
- Perform needs assessment, document, and communicate needs to local authorities
- Assist others with the emotional distress associated with major emergencies and disaster conditions
Why should I sign up for C.E.R.T. training?- It's like paying for car insurance. You might never need either; you'd hope not to. But if the occasion arises, having the CERT training, just like having car insurance, means you're as ready as you can be to help yourself, your family and your neighborhood.
How can I receive training?- If you are interested in becoming a C.E.R.T. member and would like to sign up for a training course, or would just like more information about the program please contact Battalion Chief Frank Bekker via email at fbekker@confire.org or Captain Mike Darkens mdarkens@confire.org. Classes are open to all City of Rialto citizens who are at least 16 years old. There is no cost and all materials are provided.
C.E.R.T. Hotline- (909) 421-4964