Community Emergency Response Training (CERT)
Disaster Preparedness Training: Provided by the Santa Barbara City Fire Department
The City of Santa Barbara Fire Department invites you to join them in a series of CERT Training Classes to learn basic skills that may be needed in the event of an emergency.
What is CERT?
CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) is a formal, community-based disaster preparedness program designed to teach citizens to be self-sufficient and work together in the event of an emergency or disaster.
Is Santa Barbara at risk for a disaster?
Although our community is well known as a beautiful, prosperous city, we are at risk for a variety of disasters.
Did you know?
- The South Coast has one of the highest earthquake risks in California
- Our flood risk as measured by the National Flood Insurance Program is rated 8 out of a possible of 10
- Major brush fires occur in our community on the average every 10 years, destroying hundreds of homes
Why do you need training?
During a major disaster, emergency service providers including Police, Fire, and paramedic crews can quickly become overwhelmed. They may not be able to meet the heavy demand for services, causing a delay in emergency response. This may leave citizens without assistance for some time.
Why should I choose the CERT program?
CERT training will teach you to work with your neighbors as a team, and provide the basic skills to save and sustain the lives of you and your family until help arrives. CERT skills can also be applied to daily emergencies. If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity to learn life saving skills, contact us to enroll in the next available class.
Course Overview:
Module 1 – Disaster Preparedness
Local hazards; Actions to take before, during and after a disaster.
Module 2 – Fire Suppression
Safe use of extinguishers; size-up of a situation; controlling utilities..
Module 3 – Medical
Diagnosing and treating airway obstructions, bleeding and shock.
Module 4 – Medical and Triage
Evaluation and prioritization of patients; establishing a medical treatment area.
Module 5 – Light Search and Rescue
Search and Rescue planning, and techniques; rescuer safety..
Module 6 – Disaster Psychology and Team Organization
Signs and symptoms of psychological responses. CERT organization and management principles; documentation.
Module 7 – Terrorism
Define terrorism and identify CERT operating procedures for a terrorist attack.
Module 8 – Disaster Simulation Exercise
The course ends with a simulated emergency drill to practice the skills you have learned
For more information call:
Gracie Huerta, Public Education Coordinator
(805) 564-5703
email: GHuerta@SantaBarbaraCA.gov