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City of Fullerton
News Release: 16115
Date: September 15, 2015
Contact: Chi-Chung Keung, APR, Public Information Coordinator
(714) 738-6317
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fullerton, CA – A new Academy of the Fullerton Fire Department’s “Community Emergency Response Team” (CERT) program is set to get under way in October of this year.
The Academy, which consists of three eight-hour classes, will be held from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Saturdays, October 10, 17 and 24 at the City of Fullerton Maintenance Facility, 1580 E. Commonwealth Ave. Participants may bring a sack lunch to each session, however many restaurants are located close to the classroom.
The CERT Program is designed to train citizens to organize their families and neighborhoods to be prepared to react to emergencies. Based on a model developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, CERT members are trained to provide assistance to disaster victims, as well assist fire, police and maintenance departments in emergencies when activated by the Fullerton Fire Department.
Fullerton Fire Chief Wolfgang Knabe said subjects taught in the training classes include earthquake preparedness, basic first aid, home fire prevention and safety, basic search and rescue methods, and proper use of a fire extinguisher. Instructors are firefighters, paramedics and specialists in the areas of disaster preparations and terrorism.
Upon successful completion of the class, participants will receive a certificate.
Class size is limited to 50 persons, and pre-registration is required. Chief Knabe added that upon completion, volunteers will need to undergo a background check by the Fullerton Police Department.
Persons interested in joining the CERT Academy can either contact the Fire Department CERT Office at (714) 773-1316 or by email at CRV@fullertonfire.org.
Registration may also be accomplished by logging onto the City of Fullerton website at www.cityoffullerton.com and going to the Fire Department section, or by coming to Fire Department Headquarters, 312 E. Commonwealth Ave., anytime between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Persons requiring special accommodations to participate in the training classes are asked to notify the Fire Department staff at the time of registration.