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Your neighbors are learning disaster preparedness... Are You? To sign up for CERT classes or for more information, please call: Alameda County Fire Department Are You Ready? The key to surviving any type of disaster is prior planning and training. By becoming a CERT team member, you will receive the training you need. And with that training, you can do “the greatest good for the greatest number of people”. Volunteers are needed in your community so get involved today so we can all have a safer tomorrow. After CERT… CERT members may refine and maintain their skills by voluntarily participating in hands on training exercises and other activities. They can attend supplemental training opportunities offered by other disaster preparedness agencies, like the Red Cross, that could further their basic skills. Finally, CERT team members can help get family and friends prepared for future disasters. Alameda County Fire Department ---PAGE BREAK--- What is CERT? The Federal Emergency Management Agency began promoting nationwide use of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) concept in 1994. Sine then, CERT programs have been established in hundreds of communities nationwide. The purpose of CERT is to train people living in the community to take care of themselves, their families and their neighbors in the event of a disaster. Why do we need CERT? After several large scale disasters like 9/11 and the Loma Prieta earthquake, there was a realization that not all emergency services personnel will be able to reach everyone right away. By attending CERT training classes, you will learn the skills to help save lives and protect property. As a CERT team member you can participate in disaster drills and exercises and respond to disasters. How Does CERT help in the Community? Once a disaster strikes, CERT team members are encouraged to check on their own families and home first. CERT members then assemble at a pre- designated area and break up into teams. These teams fan out into the neighborhood and look for people to rescue and treat, fires to put out and utilities to shutoff. CERT team members work in teams of two, as safety is the most important issue when working in a disaster zone. Team members are taught to not enter collapsed buildings or other dangerous environments. CERT Training CERT members are taught by emergency personnel in basic fire suppression, utility control, light search and rescue and triage and wound treatment. Other topics include putting together your own disaster kit, disaster and disaster incident management. The training involves 6 evening sessions for a total of 20 hours. This training consists of interactive training, lectures and concludes with a hands on training exercise. Who can be a CERT team member? Anyone who is at least 16 years of age or older can participate. CERT is ideal for organized com- munity groups such as Neighborhood Watch, Home Owner's Associations, Community Based Organi- zations, civic or advocacy groups, or neighborhoods in the community. Alameda County Fire Department