Emergency Response Team Seeks Members

Who will help the helpers after the next natural disaster? The Simi Valley Police Department is betting on members of its Community Emergency Response Team.

The 170-member volunteer team was started following the Northridge earthquake to provide Simi residents and businesses the skills needed to make it through a natural disaster.

Police Chief Randy G. Adams said members of the team learn disaster awareness and preparedness, disaster psychology, fire suppression and disaster medical operations.

In addition, participants are taught basic search and rescue techniques.

All of the training is provided by the Ventura County Fire Department.

Adams said team members learn what to do after a disaster, by first checking on their own families or co-workers and making sure their offices or homes are OK. Next, they ensure the safety of neighbors and then report to the emergency response team staging area.

Those who complete the course will be registered as disaster service workers.

The next CERT training course will be held on five consecutive Wednesdays, beginning May 7, at the Simi Valley Police Department, 3200 Cochran St. The final class is Saturday, June 14, at the county Regional Fire Training Center at Camarillo Airport.

The course is open to Simi residents 18 and older. Applications are available at the Police Department.

For more information, call Emergency Services Coordinator Randy White at 583-6982.