Chairman Wagner allocated $20,000 from the Third District discretionary funds to go towards a Community Emergency Response Team CERT program for the canyon community. The program’s training and drills focus on disaster preparedness when professional responders are unavailable immediately.
Unfortunately, the canyon community has experienced several natural disasters, including fires and debris flows. Cities in the Third District currently offer a CERT program, which educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may occur where they live.
As a Director at the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), Chairman Wagner noticed this resource needed to expand into the unincorporated areas of his District. He said:
“Public safety remains one of my top priorities and preparation is key. The $20,000 from the Third District discretionary funds will help jumpstart registration for canyon residents wanting to join the inaugural CERT program. The trainings are of enormous benefit to our community, educating neighbors on how to help save life and property in the critical seconds before professional first responders come on the scene.”
The Orange County Fire Authority, working with Community Educators, is developing a CERT program for the residents of the unincorporated canyon areas. The public can register for future training sessions on the OCFA website.
The one-time funds will help purchase basic CERT backpack kits, First Aid supplies, fire safety training supplies, tow behind trailer with associated equipment, and other items OCFA will need for this CERT program for the canyons. Drills include fire safety, light search and rescue, triage, first aid, team organization, disaster psychology, terrorism, disaster medical operations, and more.