Response team seeks participants

The Costa Mesa Fire Department wants to know if local residents are prepared for a major emergency, because the strain a disaster would put on local safety and rescue workers could be overwhelming.

In preparation for disaster situations that could exhaust regular resources, the city has joined forces with a number of its neighbors in seeking participants for the nationally sponsored Community Emergency Response Team program. Coordinated through FEMA, the national program educates locals on how to prepare for and react to disasters so catastrophic that they consume local emergency crews’ attention.

Disasters can be natural, such as earthquakes, or manmade, such as hazardous materials spills. Having supplies on hand — water, canned food, medications, clothing, tools, cash etc. — will increase your ability to cope and survive any kind of disaster or emergency, officials said.

Resource information on emergency preparedness is available from the American Red Cross or your local fire department.

CERT participants will gain skills in emergency preparedness and mitigation techniques, fire suppression, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue and team organization. Active program members will be certified to assist city rescue crews in the event of a major disaster and may be assigned to assist with search-and-rescue efforts, minor first aid skills and temporary shelter functions.

The 20-hour certification class will be offered this fall on Saturdays, starting Sept. 29, or on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings beginning Oct. 16. Participants must be at least 18 years old.

The training is offered through the city at no cost to residents, local employees, or students. For more information contact the program coordinator at (714) 327-7406.

Newport Beach Fire Department is also still accepting participants for its CERT program, also in September.

The first class will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Sept. 13. A second class runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for three consecutive Saturdays starting Sept. 22.

Both classes will meet in the newly finished Newport Beach Santa Ana Heights Fire Station at Acacia and Birch.

For more information on the program in Newport Beach, including class schedules and applications, visit www.nbcert.org. To connect with Costa Mesa’s program, visit the city’s website at www.ci.costa-mesa.ca.us.