Learn disaster response skills with CERT

CITY OF SEAL BEACH

The City of Seal Beach, the Seal Beach Police Department, and the West County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) team will host a basic CERT training class series beginning Friday, July 31.

West County CERT is comprised of volunteers who live in Buena Park, Cypress, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, Westminster, and the attached communities.

CERT educates people in disaster preparedness and provides basic disaster response skills. CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in projects in their community.

The 20-hour FEMA-approved course includes training in disaster preparedness, medical operations, light search and rescue, fire suppression, team organization and emotional first aid.

Training will be held at the Joint Forces Training Base Building 244, 11200 Lexington Drive, Los Alamitos, CA 90720. The training schedule will be comprised of two weekend training sessions:

• Friday, July 31, from 6-9 p.m.

• Saturday, Aug. 1, from 8 a.m.5 p.m.

• Friday, Aug. 7, from 6-9 p.m. • Saturday, Aug. 8, from 8 a.m.5 p.m.

Attendance at all four training days is required to complete the academy. Following completion of the basic CERT class, participants may pursue advanced CERT training opportunities and volunteer in support of community preparedness initiatives, planned events and disaster response operations throughout the West Orange County region.

The cost of the academy is $25, which covers training supplies and materials. To register or for more information, email WestCountyCertAcademy@ gmail.com or call 714229-6625.

—City of Seal Beach