CERtainly, these skills couldn't hurt

San Diego Business Journal, Jan 7, 2008 by Pat Broderick

When the "big one" hits, don't expect an immediate response from 911 for a rescue from police, firefighters or paramedics, who will be initially overwhelmed.

That's the word from this city, which has teamed up with Palomar College to sponsor a Community Emergency Response Team program, offering training in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations.

Graduates of the course may apply to become members of the local CERT team, who are issued free equipment kits that feature gloves, goggles, radios, fire extinguishers and other survival tools. Members must attend periodic Saturday morning training refresher sessions and participate in rescue drills with the San Marcos Fire Department.

The next CERT class is scheduled for 8 to 11 a.m. from Jan. 12 to March 15 at the San Marcos Regional Training Center, 184 Santar Place. There is no charge to participate.

For more information, call Maribel at (760) 744-1050, ext. 3405.

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