CITY NEWS
COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM
The West Orange County Community Emergency Response Team or CERT Program is comprised of those who live and/or work in Buena Park, Cypress, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, Seal Beach, Westminster and their attached communities. The CERT Academy is a 20 hour course and fills up quickly so reserve your seat early by pre – registering at www.westcountycert.com. The West County CERT Program’s primary purpose is to educate people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact them at home, at work, or at play. The CERT Basic Training covers basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members are better able to assist their family, neighborhood or workplace following an event when first responders (paramedics, fire, and police) are not immediately available to help. In an emergency, CERT teaches you to take care of your personal safety first, then your family, and then those around you. It is important to know what to do to protect ourselves and our family members before, during, and after an emergency event. Once the basic CERT training has been completed CERT members are also encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking an active role in emergency preparedness projects, bi-monthly Team pot-luck dinners and other events like the Westminster Tet Parade. These events help to build Team comradery, keep members upto-date, and refine the skills taught in the basic training. To discover more about West Orange County Regional CERT visit www.westcountycert.com or call (714) 548-3211.
RADIO AMATEUR CIVIL EMERGENCY SERVICES
RACES are Public-safety volunteers which are licensed Amateur Radio Operators that are trained to assist local government during time of emergency and disaster or for routine events and activities. They are trained and certified to provide public-safety communications support. Westminster RACES are looking for licensed Ham Radio Operators to perform vital volunteer communications during Westminster Community Events and Disaster or Emergency Incidents. If you are interested in becoming a member of the City of Westminster RACES, please contact RACES Chief Radio Officer Adam Valek, N6HVC @ (714) 305-9026 or via email at adam.n6hvc@gmail.com, for further information.
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