Community Emergency Response training to reach over 100 graduates in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - A local emergency response training is about to reach a milestone in Santa Barbara.

The number of graduates for the Community Emergency Response Team, known as CERT, is reaching the highest the program has ever seen this year.

The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County holds CERT classes several times a year throughout the area.

First responders, including local fire fighters, are getting ready for the next training session in March.

The CERT Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area.

It also trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can help others following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.

CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

Organizers of the program will discuss the EOC call center and the CERT volunteers who staffed it.

So far, 75 members have successfully completed the CERT program.

After the upcoming training in March, more than 100 CERT members will have graduated from the program.