Be disaster-ready—register for Community Emergency Response Team training

The Hayward Fire Department is hosting its free semi-annual Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training for members of the public and has opened registration for the fall session beginning on Wednesday, Oct. 16.

The CERT program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact them based on where they live and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations.

The program is intended to provide a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations, ideally freeing them up and allowing them to focus on more complex tasks.

All five fall sessions will take place in-person at Fire Station No. 6, 1401 W. Winton Avenue, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. starting Wednesday, Oct. 16. Class size is limited to 60 participants and pre-registration is required. Participants must attend all five classes to receive a certification.

The course is free of charge with the only related expense involving the updating of one's disaster supply kit at home. Learn more about the course here and register for the fall session here.