Hi Folks–

This week I will complete my CERT training. This is a great free program offered by the City of Austin. I have learned, fire safety, first aid, trauma psychology, weather spotting, medical operations, and search and rescue. Once the course is completed you can assist the Police, Fire, EMS and other needs of the City of Austin. I also got to view the 911 dispatch room. Advance classes include SkyFlight assistance, advance weather spotting, HAM radio operations, navigation, advance search and rescue, EMS training, CPR training, red cross training, and participation in airport emergency drills. A background check is required to receive your CERT badge.

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (CERT)

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is an emergency preparedness program supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA began promoting nationwide use of the CERT concept in 1994 based on a model created and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) in 1985. Following a series of earthquakes in the United States and Mexico that left hundreds dead, injured and without emergency services, the LAFD recognized that well-trained civilian emergency work force teams are vital for disaster situations when the scope of incidents overwhelm conventional emergency services.

Spanish DRA/CERT training starts on Wednesday Feb 23rd!

English DRA/CERT training starts April 25th

To apply for the Spanish or English classes contact Amber.King@ci.austin.tx.us

OEM website at http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/oem/cert.htm