SOUTH VISTA NEWS
The CERT program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event 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 their community.
The Vista CERT program is offering a free noncredit training program through Palomar College beginning August 14th, meeting on Tuesday nights at 6:30 p.m. for 8 weeks with a final disaster simulation on Saturday October 6th; at 8:00 a.m. The class will meet at the Public Safety Training Center at 184 Santar Place, in San Marcos. Enrollment and materials are free of charge and open to individuals 18 years of age or older.
Upon completion of the course, participants will be invited to join the Vista CERT team, although doing so is not a requirement. To register please contact Sandy Hopkins at sandah@cox.net, or e-mail Ned Vander Pol at nvanderpol@cityofvista.com.
Class Schedule:
August 14 Disaster Preparedness
August 21 Fire safety
August 28 Organization
September 4 Medical #1
September 11 Medical #2
September 18 Psychology
September 25 Search & Rescue
October 2 Terrorism
October 6 Disaster Simulation Dril
