A new session of the Fullerton Fire Department’s “Community Response Volunteer/Community Emergency Response Team” (CRV/CERT) program is set to get under way in March.

The session, which will consist of three eight-hour classes, will be held from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 8 and 15, at the City of Fullerton Maintenance Yard, 1580 E. Commonwealth Ave.

The CRV/CERT Program is designed to train citizens to organize their neighborhoods to be prepared to respond to emergencies.  Based on a model developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, CRV/CERT members are trained to provide immediate assistance to disaster victims, as well as organize volunteers to assist fire, police and maintenance departments in emergencies.

Capt. Tom Schultz, disaster preparedness officer for the Fullerton Fire Department, said subjects taught in the training classes include disaster preparedness, basic first aid, fire safety, basic search and rescue methods, and proper use of a fire extinguisher.  Instructors are firefighters, paramedics and specialists in the areas of disaster preparations and terrorism. 

Upon successful completion of the class, participants will receive a certificate.

Class size is limited to 50 persons, and pre-registration is required.  Schultz added upon completion, volunteers will have to undergo a background check by the Fullerton Police Department.

Persons interested in joining the CRV/CERT training can either contact the CRV program manager at 773-1316 or by email CRV@fullertonfire.org. 

Registration may also be accomplished by coming to Fire Department Headquarters, 312 E. Commonwealth Ave., anytime between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.