This is a CERT program (Citizens Emergency Response Training) that's free to citizens of Oakland…read more The way it works is, you organize a neighborhood group and then you take the classes together. If you have a big group, they will sometimes come out to your location and bring an instructor to you. There are about 6 once a week evening classes, then a weekend "hands-on" exercise. If you can't get a group together, you can still take the classes yourself as an individual. You'll meet some great people there.
You learn how the Fire Dept. Disaster Response system works, and what you can do for yourself and your neighbors when a disaster hits and normal Emergency Services are overwhelmed (and can't come rescue you.) So the idea is not to be helpless, but able to help yourself and others in the first hours and days following a major emergency.
It's a good program, not the best in the Bay Area, but good, and well worth your time. They don't have any First Aid though, and most of these CERT programs do tend to skimp on that because they figure you can just take Red Cross standard or basic first aid. Unfortunately, standard first aid won't be much good in a disaster. This is a problem.
Otherwise, I hope as many people as possible will take the CERT courses in your city or county (they are all over the United States) and gather your family and your neighbors to take them too. Some CERT programs do have Disaster First Aid (Los Gatos and Glendora California PD's do, and Nassau and Steuben Counties in New York) But some programs just say they do and actualy don't.
But CERT classes are usually FREE in most places, and enjoyable, so I suggest you GO for it. Everything you can learn will just make you stronger, more resourceful, and safer in when The Big Quake hits. (Don't wait for the ambulance; it will be a few days before it comes, if you're lucky.) Do something to help yourself now. It doesn't take that much time, and It just makes sense.
