Free emergency response team classes available

Invest a little time, a little effort, and see a big payoff. That’s what Costa Mesa fire officials say residents will see if they enroll in Community Emergency Response Team classes starting Saturday.

The Costa Mesa Fire Department is offering free CERT classes for anyone 18 years or older for the next three Saturdays — April 5, 12 and 19. The free classes help prepare the everyday Joe for natural disasters like earthquakes or flooding, or man-made catastrophes like hazardous materials spills. Besides having supplies on hand like food, water, medication, clothing, cash and personal documents, mental preparedness is key, officials said.

The classes turn regular citizens into first responders. Members gain skills in emergency preparedness and learn basic abilities like fire suppression, disaster medical operations and light search-and-rescue organization.

The classes will be hosted by fire officials at the Christ Lutheran Church, 760 Victoria St. The classes are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call (714) 327-7406.

— Joseph Serna