Classes in Disaster Training Scheduled

When the next Big One hits, will Simi Valley residents be ready?

The 200 or so people who have taken the Community Emergency Response Team training course will be, according to Randy M. White, Simi Valley’s emergency services coordinator.

“When we have the next earthquake in the city, many of the fire and police responsibilities we rely on every day, they’re not going to be available,” he said. “We saw that with the Northridge earthquake, when people would dial 911 because a relative was cut, but they couldn’t get through. You’re pretty much on your own.”

Acknowledging that fact, the CERT classes, as they are called, teach residents to be self-reliant in the face of a disaster.

The program, started after the 1994 Northridge earthquake, includes training in disaster preparedness, some emergency medical training, disaster psychology and light search and rescue. All of the training is provided by Ventura County Fire Protection District firefighters.

The Simi Valley Police Department is accepting applications for the next CERT training course, which consists of six training classes scheduled for Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27, and Sept. 3 and 13.

The first five classes will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. at police headquarters. The sixth will take place at the Ventura County Regional Fire Training Center in Camarillo. Any Simi Valley resident 18 or older who is willing to help after a major disaster is encouraged to apply.

Applications are available at the Simi Valley Police Department, 3200 Cochran St. For information, call White at 583-6982. Applications will be accepted until the 25-student class is full.