Consider CERT Training in Preparation of a Disaster

CERT - stands for Community Emergency Response Team. Ned Vander Pol, a Vista firefighter, was the instructor for the Vista CERT course instruction where I was a student. In the first class in April of this year, he instructed us on why CERT got started in the first place. After disasters it is inherent in many of us to want to reach out and help others. The problem with these good intentions is that it may get others and ourselves killed. CERT was started to educate and provide the necessary tools to those that would naturally want to reach out and offer a hand and be prepared so that they will be a help rather than a hindrance. Wouldn't that be better for all involved?

After any disaster, especially the big ones, the first responders (police, fire, and ambulance services) are spread very thin, and in some cases may not be able to get to the scene of a disaster until some time later, in some cases much later. Certified CERT volunteers are trained and prepared to fill in until those first responders can arrive on the scene. Whether a fire, accidents, or disasters, a CERT volunteer can assess the situation, organize relief efforts, and help with Triage. They can speed up the recovery efforts by having things prepared before the first responders arrive.

After completing 8 weeks of classes in Vista, my class and I finished up with a disaster simulation. The simulation is an application of the important concepts taught in the class. It was educational, fulfilling and fun. But it doesn't stop there, the training and preparation continues every month with ongoing meetings. Learning more skills and being better prepared makes the volunteer more capable of assisting effectively in any situation.

Sandy Hopkins is the President of the Vista CERT team, and Battalion Chief Ned Vander Pol is the Program Manager. Both have done a fantastic job of education and preparing the volunteers for real life situations.

This is just one of many CERT programs available throughout California. And I recommend it to any of you who want to make a difference after a disaster. I had a CERT instructor once say during a joint seminar in Escondido, "I want to rename CERT. I want to call it - there ain't nobody coming". With a large scale disaster that may just be the truth of it. With so much damage, and roads making passage impossible, you may find yourself alone for a long period of time. And there might just not be anyone coming for some time. Having certified CERT volunteers is very valuable at times like these.

Be Ready Inc. owner Al Cabacungan has been through 2 CERT courses over the years and has volunteered at several disasters. Over 18 years ago he headed back to his native Island of Oahu to bring assistance to the the survivors of Hurricane Iniki. He also headed up the evacuation center at the Carlsbad High School during the Southern California fires in October 2007. He is no novice when it comes to helping people prepare.

At Be Ready Inc., through seminars and webinars, we bring this knowledge and experience to those who want to learn how to prepare for natural disasters and emergencies, including the predicted San Andreas earthquake. To register for our upcoming seminar this Saturday, July 28th, at 10:00 am on disaster preparedness click on link: Seminar - San Andreas and other disasters.

I encourage each neighborhood, or home owners association, and apartment complex to have a preparedness meeting and find out who is CERT certified, who is trained in first aid, and have an organized plan on how you can reach out and help those in need when the time comes. If you don't have anyone that is certified - consider having at least 2-3 of you go through the training. It is always best to work in pairs of at least 2, obviously the more the better. CERT workers don't work on their own unless the others can't get to you. There is a meeting point established where the CERT team gets together after a disaster and you have a leader that gives the "workers" the instructions on what to do. It is extremely well organized and is well worth the time.

If you are interested in becoming a part of CERT go to:

UCSD Campus Emergency Response Team

San Diego CERT

Get Prepared! There is no excuse.