A new session of training for the Riverside County-area Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will begin soon.

CERT is an entity of the Riverside County Fire Department/Office of Emergency Services.

Members of the public are trained to be self-sufficient following a major disaster, should emergency services not be immediately available.

Using their training, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event and can take a more active role in preparing their community.

Training is a commitment of 20 hours and includes instruction in disaster preparedness, fire suppression, medical operations, light search and rescue, disaster psychology and team organization.

Following training, volunteers participate in a disaster simulation in which they review and practice their new skills.

The next session of training will take place at the Garner Valley Commons at 61600 Devils Ladder Road in Mountain Center on the following dates:

• June 5 – 5:30-9:30 p.m.

• June 6 – 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

• June 7 – 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Each new CERT member will receive a CERT Kit, which includes a backpack, safety helmet, vest and additional items to start building a response kit, plus a training manual and Certificate of Completion.

For more information or to register for training, contact Gina Moran-McGough of the Riverside County Office of Emergency Services at (951) 955-4700.

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