CERT training opens to families with kids

Costa Mesa officials are accepting applications for this weekend’s Community Emergency Response Team classes.

Friday through Sunday, Costa Mesa firefighters will teach the basics of how to respond during an emergency. Students will learn the fundamentals of putting out a fire, emergency first aid, operating an emergency radio, light search and rescue, and how to get your neighborhood prepared.

Unlike most CERT courses, classes this weekend will be open to kids as young as 12 if older family members participate too, officials said. The classes are generally limited to adults only.

Classes are free. Friday’s course is scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday’s classes scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A disaster drill will begin after Sunday’s class to put all of the students’ newly learned skills to the test. For more information on how to register for the class, e-mail Brenda Emrick at bemrick@ci.costa-mesa.ca.us or call (714) 327-7406.

— Joseph Serna