
Sentinel staff report–
Would you know what to do in an emergency situation or catastrophic event, like flooding, fire, disaster, or even terrorism?
For those interested in being prepared for unexpected emergencies, Sacramento Metro Fire is offering an intensive four-day training in Citrus Heights, designed to equip community members with the skills to handle a variety of emergency situations.
“It’s a great opportunity to learn more about emergency preparedness and get more involved in your community,” said Christine Smith, a volunteer coordinator for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program. She said participants will be taught by Metro Fire staff through both lecture and hands-on training, with instructors covering topics from basic skills and first aid to opening airways and organizing spontaneous volunteers in an emergency.
“It’s important to have people trained in emergency preparedness, especially in the event of a large disaster,” said Smith. “The more people who know how to put together a disaster kit, the better.”
The CERT training will be held in Citrus Heights on Thursday evenings and Saturdays during the first two weeks in February, at a location behind Metro Fire Station 21 in Citrus Heights. According to a flier for the training, topics include:
- What your local risks are and what you need to do to prepare
- How to manage utilities, hazardous materials, and put out small fires using the appropriate Fire Extinguisher
- How to use “START Triage” and how to treat the “Three Medical Killers” by: opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock
- How to provide basic medical aid
- How to effectively search for and rescue victims safely
- How to organize yourself and spontaneous volunteers to be effective as a team and collect disaster intelligence to support first responder efforts
- Disaster Psychology
- Terrorism
See CERT training flier: click here
Metro Fire’s CERT training began being offered in 2003 and participants each earn a certificate of completion, with an additional opportunity to become a member of Metro Fire’s CERT volunteer program. Smith said members have the opportunity to receive additional training, participate in Metro Fire community outreach at regional events, and also assist first responders in an emergency.
“In a disaster it’s possible for us to be deployed, but it’s not required, ” Smith said of CERT members. “By taking the training, the only thing you’re committing to is the learning. You have an opportunity to help, but you’re not required to.”
Those who choose to become CERT members are able to take seven additional online classes, with specialized training in wildland urban interface, flood and swiftwater awareness, and hazardous materials training. Members have assisted locally during severe weather situations, as well as assisting with the Valley Fire in 2015.
Metro Fire’s emergency training class is capped at 50 people and attendance at all 24 hours of classes is required in order to receive a certificate. The course is free to anyone who lives or works in Citrus Heights, as well as Rancho Cordova and the unincorporated areas of Sacramento County. Teenagers age 13-17 can also participate, if accompanied by an adult.
Those wishing to register for the course are asked to email metrofirecert@gmail.com. The course will also be offered again in October, for those unable to make the February class dates.
If you plan to attend:
Metro Fire CERT Training
7641 Greenback Ln., Citrus Heights (Behind Station 21)
Class dates:
• Thursday, Feb. 1st: 6-10 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 3rd: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Thursday, Feb. 8th: 6-10 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 10th: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.