Thursday, September 4, 2008

Get Trained to Help During Disasters

You can be trained to help your family, neighbors and community in the aftermath of a major earthquake or other disaster, a critical time when government first-responders are likely to be overwhelmed by calls for service.

The Suisun City Fire Department and the Suisun City Police Department are teaming to bring Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) to Suisun City.

To get involved, call the Fire Department at 707-421-7205 or e-mail mzunino@suisun.com. We are planning our first class this winter and are now looking for people who are interested.

The City received an $11,700 grant from Solano County and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to start up the CERT program in Suisun City.

CERT programs focus on teaching residents to prepare for specific disasters or hazards that may impact the local area then trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

Using skills learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist neighbors or co-workers after a disaster happens, such as a major earthquake, when professional responders are not immediately available to help.

CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in the community.

Contact the Fire Department today to sign up for this important training by calling 707-421-7205 or e-mailing mzunino@suisun.com

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