ATASCADERO — The Atascadero Community Emergency Response Team will offer a CERT Basic Training Course in October to teach residents basic skills for responding to disasters and emergencies.
The 24-hour course is open to adults 18 and older and covers disaster preparedness, basic first aid, disaster psychology, fire suppression, search and rescue, terrorism and hazardous materials, and ways to protect homes from disasters.
CERT-trained volunteers have assisted with major flooding, tsunami watches, searches for missing people, traffic and crowd management, emergency radio communications, wildfire fuel reduction and disaster recovery efforts.
Classes will be held at the Colony Park Recreation Center, 5599 Traffic Way, from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6; Thursday, Oct. 8; Tuesday, Oct. 13; and Thursday, Oct. 15. A final review and disaster scenario will take place from 9 a.m. to about 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17.
Participants must complete all sessions to receive a FEMA Certificate of Completion.
The cost is $40 for Atascadero residents and $42 for nonresidents. Registration is available online through the City of Atascadero website or in person from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Colony Park Community Center front desk.
For more information, call 805-470-3360