C O M M U N I T Y
Preparing for Emergencies and Natural Disasters The Neighborhood Team Program keeps communities safe
A
by the federal government. Beyond the United States, official CERT training is also offered in at least six other countries. Prior to COVID-19, the LAFD offered in-person classes for CERT certification. However, since the pandemic, the LAFD has halted that. CERT has brought back the Neighborhood Team Program, which was created in CERT Battalion 18 about 10 years ago. The program is for CERT-trained and non-CERT-trained members, and is designed to get to the block level, forming teams that are emergency prepared. The training is done via Zoom and online manuals. “What we have come up with is an online course for the people who are interested in emergency preparedness and not necessarily CERT, called the Neighborhood Team Program,” said Jose Morataya, CERT coordinator for Battalion 4, a region that
COURTESY PHOTOS
By Sebastian Lipstein shattering 8.0-magnitude earthquake struck Mexico City in 1985, killing 10,000 people and destroying thousands of buildings and homes. An investigation team from the Los Angeles City Fire Department conducted research and found out that amid the chaos, citizens acted as first responders and saved 800 lives over a 15-day period. A year later, impressed by the effort of the Mexican people yet concerned about the lack of preparation and coordination, now-late assistant fire chief Frank Borden spearheaded a program that would teach community members how to act and organize themselves in case of an earthquake, evacuation or fires. The program eventually became CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), and in 1993, it became a nationwide program recognized
CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) has brought back the Neighborhood Team Program, which was created in CERT Battalion 18 about 10 years ago, and is designed to get to the block level, forming teams that are emergency prepared.
Healthy•Delish•Delivered We provide fresh, local, gourmet meals, lovingly prepared and delivered directly to your door. Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian • Seasonal Menu Family Style Meals • A La Carte Options
310-422-5428 • lauralaruepersonalchef.com
WATCH SERVICE CENTER & JEWELRY REPAIR
We Service: Rolex • Omega • Breitling • Gucci Concord • Cartier • Movado • TAG Heuer • Swiss Army Citizen • Seiko • Bulova • Esq • Casio & much more WATCH BATTERY REPLACEMENT WHILE YOU WAIT!
$2 OFF
WATCH BATTERY ONE PER CUSTOMER. EXPIRES 1/13/22
Diamond replacement, ring sizing, necklace repair, bracelet repair, pearl restringing, and much more.
THE ARGONAUT’S MONTHLY EDUCATION UPDATE
In response to the ever-changing challenges facing our local schools & educators, The Argonaut wants to help share news about enrollments, tours, donations, distance learning, etc...
NEXT ISSUE IS JANUARY 22 Advertising Deadline: Monday, Jan. 17
FREE JEWELRY & WATCH INSPECTION
TUE-TH 11am-7pm • SAT 11am-5pm • CLOSED SUNDAY, MONDAY, & FRIDAY.
310.574.8777 • 4027 Lincoln Blvd. (NEAR WALGREENS NEXT TO WHARO BBQ)
PAGE 6 THE ARGONAUT DECEMBER 30, 2021
C A L L TO DAY: 3 1 0. 4 6 3 .0 6 3 3
