Disaster Preparedness

Are you ready? In the event of an emergency are you prepared to not only take care of yourself and significant others but help your neighbors and community in the event of a disaster? If not, or even if you think you are but would like to hone your skills, consider becoming a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member. Following is information regarding the CERT program, how you can get involved, and links to websites that provide specific information on different disaster scenarios.

The City is developing Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) to assist the Fire Department and other emergency services in responding to the needs of the community in the event of a major disaster. The CERT program is designed to get Newark residents working together with City staff and the Fire Department to help themselves, their neighbors, and the community in the event of a disaster such as a major earthquake, flood, or fire. All participants become trained in basic disaster preparedness, light search and rescue, disaster medicine, and fire fighting. This training is provided at no cost to Newark residents and could save your life or the life of your loved ones. The training will enable residents to be:

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes are provided twice a year to help citizens become self-sufficient in a major disaster by developing multi-functional teams that are cross-trained by the Newark Fire Department in basic skills.

The CERT classes are made of a group with up to 40 students. They attend six 3-hour classes that meet once a week from 6:00 to 9:00 PM and are taught by at least two qualified instructors. Students are provided with a Student Training Manual. Following is a class outline for the training:

CERT Spring 2008 Class Schedule

Class 1: EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Thursday, February 28th - 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Silliman Center Community Meeting Room - 6800 Mowry Ave.

Emergency Response Team Concept Personal
Personal, Family, and Workplace Preparation
Utilities and Hazardous Materials Overview

Class 2: FIRE SUPPRESSION and HAZMAT
Thursday, March 6th 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Location: Silliman Center Preschool Class Room- 6800 Mowry Ave.

Fire Chemistry and Extinguishment
Hazardous Materials

Class 3: DISASTER MEDICINE
Thursday, March 13th- 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Location: Silliman Center Preschool Class Room- 6800 Mowry Ave.

Recognition and Treatment of Life Threatening Injuries
Triage of Patients
Care and Minor Injuries Burns

Class 4: LIGHT SEARCH and RESCUE
Thursday, March 20th- 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Location: Silliman Center Community Meeting Room - 6800 Mowry Ave.

Earthquake Effects on Buildings
Search and Rescue Techniques
Lifting Heavy Objects

Class 5: TERRORISM and TEAM MANAGEMENT
Thursday, March 27th- 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Location: Silliman Center Community Meeting Room - 6800 Mowry Ave.

Terrorism Weapons and Response
Terrorism Rescue and Recovery
Team Management and Response
Disaster Psychology

CLASS 6: HANDS-ON DISASTER SIMULATION
Thursday, April 3rd - 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Fire Station 3 - 39039 Cherry St.

Hands-on Disaster Exercise
Critique
Recognition and Certificate Presentation

Upon successful completion of all six classes, a certificate of completion, a CERT identification, a helmet, and a vest will be given to each student. All residents are encouraged to attend the training - - no special skills are required. For enrollment or questions about the program, please leave a message on the CERT hotline at 793-1400, ext. 530 or email your questions to cert@newark.org.

Since it's inception in 1997, over 600 Newark residents have been certified in the CERT program. CERT is designed to help you and your family be better prepared in the event of a disaster. Earthquakes Happen! And with current world issues, it is even more important that you and your family are better prepared to survive when disaster strikes.

To learn more about the program, the list below answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Newark's CERT program. After reading through the questions and answers below it is hoped that you will join our over 600 trained CERT members.

How much does the CERT program cost?
The program is FREE! The only cost incurred may be in upgrading your own personal disaster kits at home. (Food, water, tools etc.)

When is the program offered?
We offer two 6-week classes. One in the spring and one in the fall.

How long is the class and where is it held?
The classes are held from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. They are held one night a week for 6 consecutive weeks. (Ex. 6 straight Thursday nights). The first 5 classes are classroom style and the final class is a hands on drill held at Fire Station 3. (Cherry and Mowry)

Who teaches the classes?
The classes are taught by Fire Department personnel. Two instructors per class.

What do I get when I graduate?
Every participant will receive a student manual filled with disaster tips and vital information for rescue, fire suppression and general first aid. Upon completion of the 6-week course you will also receive a helmet, vest and ID badge along with a certificate of completion.

After I graduate, then what?
For starters, and most importantly you will have the training that will make you better prepared in the event of a true disaster. You also will be encouraged to attend refresher drills throughout the year.

Do I have to stay involved?
This is entirely up to you. We do offer 1 or 2 re-training classes on various skills as well the annual refresher drill.

What are Districts, and why does Newark have 9?
To help with the span of control it was necessary to break the city down into more manageable groups. It seemed most likely to use the school boundaries, which most people are already familiar with. Our districts match the 8 public elementary schools and our 9th district is Newark Memorial High School, which is everything south of Mowry Ave. There is a Team Leader for each district.

Who and what are Team Leaders?
Team Leaders are a special group of volunteers who have completed the program and wanted to become more involved. They participate in the meetings; they help new members and are the contact person that I communicate information to.

In the event of a large disaster, what am I expected to do?
First and foremost you are to take care of your immediate family. This is what you have gone through the class for. You will be prepared and know what to do to survive the next 72 hours. If your family is safe you can then go out into your neighborhood and assist neighbors. If everything is under control in your neighborhood you may then want to assist in the citywide efforts. (I.e. shelters, etc.)

Why would I need to help others, wouldn't the police and fire departments be doing that?
In a large disaster, police and fire departments will be overwhelmed with large scale emergencies. This is why this program is so crucial.

How do I sign up?
All you need to do is call this number (510) 793-1400 ext. 530. Leave your name and number and someone will get back to you with the next class schedule.

Do I need any special skills to join?
No, just the willingness to learn the skills necessary to survive a disaster. We have had participants ranging in age from 14 to 80 and some even in wheelchairs. We say come one come all.

Can I bring my children?
If they are under the age of 14 they may not attend. This is discouraged for two reasons: the material covered is not suitable for younger children; and two it is very difficult to deliver all of the required information if there are constant interruptions. We do, however accept young adults between the ages of 14-17 if accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Tri-Cities Disaster Preparedness

Disaster Preparedness Resources Link Pages

Disaster Response Governmental Agencies