06 Jan

2015 CERT Classes in the area

A daytime CERT class is being offered starting in March at Mt. Washington Elementary School, 3981 San Rafael Ave., LA, CA 90065. The class meets on Tuesdays beginning March 3rd and ends April 21st, with no class on March 31st. The class is from 8:30-11.

CERT classes are offered through the LA Fire Dept. and are free of charge. New classes are added regularly – check eventbrite for the latest info: http://www.eventbrite.com/o/lafd-cert-program-7803155391

To become a CERT graduate, you must complete the 17-1/2 hour course (Level 1). Level 1 training is taught by professional experienced firefighters and paramedics. Most classes run one evening  a week for 7 weeks, although some classes are available daytime and/or weekends. More info is available on the CERT website: www.cert-la.com.

CLASS SYLABUS

CLASS 1 – INTRODUCTION, EARTHQUAKE AWARENESS Registration Introduction Earthquake Threat in Southern California Personal & Family Preparation Nonstructural Hazard Mitigation

CLASS 2 – DISASTER FIRE SUPPRESSION TECHNIQUES Fire Chemistry Fire Extinguisher Use Utility Control Creative Firefighting Techniques Hazardous Materials / Placarding

CLASS 3 – DISASTER MEDICAL OPERATIONS (SESSION 1) Recognizing Life-Threatening Emergencies Treating Life-Threatening Emergencies Triage

CLASS 4 – DISASTER MEDICAL OPERATIONS (SESSION 2) AND MULTI-CASUALTY INCIDENT Head-to-Toe Evaluation Treating Non-Life-Threatening Emergencies Treatment Area Management

CLASS 5 – LIGHT SEARCH & RESCUE OPERATIONS Evacuation Search Techniques Rescue Methods / Cribbing

CLASS 6 –TEAM ORGANIZATION & DISASTER PSYCHOLOGY Developing a Response Team Incident Command System “ICS” Psychological “Size-Up”

CLASS 7 – TERRORISM & HOMELAND DEFENSE History of Terrorism Do’s and Don’ts During a Terrorist Act Homeland Defense Tips

10 Oct

Another CERT Class in the Evening

The basic CERT training can be taken anywhere it’s offered.  Besides the Los Angeles Fire Department classes, there are CERT classes offered by neighboring cities and LA County.

For instance, there is one starting soon in Glendale on four consecutive Wednesdays, October 22, October 29, November 5, and November 12, from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

For more information, check out their webpage. For questions about their CERT training and to pre-register, call at (818)548-6404. See also their brochure.

25 Sep

Final Drill Planning Meeting and Volunteer Signup 9/30/14

Final Countdown to the 10/18 Drill – It’s not too late to get involved! A great way to practice your CERT skills or learn what it’s all about.

WHEN: Tuesday Sept 30 – 7:00 PM

WHERE: Holy Virgin Mary Coptic Orthodox Church
4900 Cleland Ave (corner of Terrace 49)
Los Angeles, CA 90065.

WHY: We need to sign up volunteers of all skill levels to participate in the Neighborhood CERT Earthquake Disaster Drill on October 18.  Please come and help us finalize the plan for this important  event. The Neighborhood CERT Earthquake Disaster Drill on October 18 will be a learning experience for us all!

If you can’t make the meeting and still want to participate on 10/18, email: info at mtwashingtonjessica.org

16 Sep

Supplemental CERT Training 9/27/14 10am

Montecito Heights Senior Center – 10:00 am

4545 Homer St.   Los Angeles, CA 90031

On Saturday, September 27, at 10am, Roy Payan will be conducting a supplemental CERT training including radio communications protocols and how to load/carry a stretcher.

This is also open to all CERT grads and those currently in training. Those without training are welcome to participate as victims or observe and learn, so bring your family, friends and acquaintances.

  • T1 and Radio Communication Training: Learn about new software developed specifically for use by CERT teams during a disaster. This new software will prove to be a valuable tool to all CERT teams. Radio Communications: learn the differences in various band widths and frequencies including HAM, GMRS and FRS, communication protocol and procedures. Learn how to build your own neighborhood group and how to join the weekly Monday night CERT Radio Network Drill.
  • Search and Rescue: Apply your class training by doing area assessment and survivor assessments. Conduct search and rescue, injury assessment, stretcher loading and, how to carry a victim in a stretcher and unload injured at triage gathering site.
  • Triage: Perform basic triage, assess level of urgency to injured and perform basic first aid.