Get Ready for the Next Disaster

The first aid class of yesteryear has been transformed and wrapped into a community-minded training program called CERT, or Community Emergency Response Team. Basic skills needed to respond effectively and calmly to disasters and calls about lost persons, rescues, and medical needs are taught in a series of classes, the most recent of which culminated in a drill at Santa Barbara High School. CERT training also teaches participants about the range of responses that go on city- and county-wide by the various emergency agencies, giving some insight into the behind-the-scenes action that gets people and equipment where they’re needed. The end goal is to have an informed and helpful citizenry.

The next set of CERT training classes takes place from September 24 – November 12, on eight consecutive Thursdays, at Goleta Valley Community Center, 5679 Hollister Avenue. For more information, contact Luz Reyes-Martin, (805) 961-7558 or lreyesmartin@cityofgoleta.org.