Santa Barbara teens train to respond in disasters through CERT program
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — From putting out small fires to practicing search-and-rescue techniques, local teenagers are learning how to respond when disaster strikes.
The Santa Barbara Fire Department is hosting its Teen Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, a four-day program designed to prepare young people for emergencies such as earthquakes, wildfires and other disasters.
Throughout the week, participants receive hands-on instruction in disaster preparedness, basic first aid, fire safety and light search and rescue. They also learn how to assess emergency situations, work together as a team and make critical decisions under pressure.
"I definitely feel ready to knock on my neighbor's door," said CERT participant Maria José Aguilar. "Even if I smell a little bit of gas, I feel like I know how to assess that."
As part of the training, students practice using fire extinguishers and learn the P.A.S.S. method: Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep.
Emergency officials say the training helps prepare community members to be self-sufficient during the critical hours following a disaster, when first responders may be overwhelmed.
"The fire department only has so many resources," said Michael Brindle, UCSB's emergency and continuity manager. "When they're all out responding to other situations, it's really important that people are prepared to be able to respond to help themselves and their immediate family."
The course concludes Thursday with a full-scale earthquake simulation, where students put their new skills to the test in a realistic disaster scenario.
"On Thursday we end with a full-scale exercise, an earthquake simulation," said Liliana Encinas with the Santa Barbara City Fire Department. "The teens get to come and actually rescue people from a disaster and put into practice all the skill sets for the week."
For participant Santiago Valdivia Gastelum, preparation is the biggest takeaway.
"I think that the most valuable lesson is how to be prepared," he said. "Because if you're prepared, then you know how to respond. You know how to help."
Aguilar said her family already keeps emergency supplies at home, but the training has given her even more confidence.
"We have a big closet in our house with emergency kits, food, water—anything any neighbor might need, anything we might need," Aguilar said. "I feel like I'm ready for all the disasters. I'm ready to help."
The Teen CERT training continues through Thursday at Santa Barbara Fire Station 1, where participants will complete their final disaster simulation before graduating from the program.
