As the Katrina news is reaching us from tv, radio, newspaper, email, msm and word of mouth and everybody is donating money, clothes, food, furniture, cars, and other necessities for the victims, we all wonder how else we can help, and what we would do if a disaster happens here in Southern California.

The news has been telling us to stock up on can goods, water, and first aid kits and they are great suggestions but they do not include the most basic suggestion, TRAINING!

Do you know what to do if an earthquake hits, and you’re in a store?  How do you use the fire extinguisher in your house or the big extinguishers in your building?  Where is the safest place to be in an earthquake of 8.5 or smaller?  Would you be able to help in a shelter operation?

The Los Angeles Fire Department has a Disaster Prep Program called “Community Emergency Response Team” (CERT) that trains private citizens to help mitigate problems during the first 72 hours following a disaster when damaged roads, disrupted communications, high call volume, etc., may restrict access by professional emergency services.  The training is FREE and classes run for 2 1/2 hours, one day a week, for seven weeks.

The course includes:

- Disaster Preparedness
- Search & Rescue
- Disaster Fire Suppression (you get to put out a fire)
- Disaster Medical Operations/Assessment
- Disaster Medical Operations/Triage
- Team Organization & Management

How to get involved?

Call 818-756-9674 or go to www.cert-la.com.  You can also host your own course at your location.  Or, we are signing up people for the next course in the Hollywood area (near Hollywood and Western) and we’ll be starting the course when the Fire Department gets back from New Orleans.  Contact me to sign up in the Hollywood area.

The trainers are seriously the coolest.  These firemen and women who teach you can answer any question you have, they are super nice, very smart, great story tellers, funny and handsome, and your time will be well spent.  After the course you will have the basic skills to help yourself, your family and your neighbors in the aftermath of a disaster.  And you might meet some cool people in the class :-)))

Upon finishing the course you will receive a CERT vest, hard helmet, and a certificate of completion with your name signed by the Mayor, the City Council, and the Fire Chief.  (My certificate is signed by Mayor Villaraigosa and Council Tom LaBonge both whom I talked to last Sunday at the Los Angeles 224th birthday celebration :-)) )

If you would like to donate food/clothing here is a place to do it:

EVENT: FOOD/CLOTHING DRIVE

- canned goods (food that can be eaten straight from the can is most appreciated)
- Men’s and Women’s Shorts and T-Shirts (in fairly good condition)
- Baby clothing - all types
- Baby supplies (diapers, bottles, etc.)

WHEN: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH

From 2-5 p.m.  There will be barbecue (hot dogs, hamburgers, maybe even beer/wine) in exchange for your kind gesture. 

WHERE:

625 N. Screenland Drive
Burbank, CA, 91505

Off the Pass/Hollywood Way exit on the 134 Freeway.

1 Block west of Hollywood Way, just north of Verdugo.