Be disaster-ready—register for Community Emergency Response Team training

The Hayward Fire Department is hosting its free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training for members of the public, and registration is open for the summer session beginning on Monday, Aug. 18.

Participants in the course learn skills that will enable them to provide emergency assistance to their families and neighbors, as well as organize a neighborhood team response in the event of a major disaster. There will be no charge for the course or materials.

The training course will provide instruction on light fire suppression, hazardous materials situations, first aid, light search and rescue techniques and procedures in organizing CERT trainees to aid and assist in times of disaster. No special skills are required to participate. The in-person portion of the training program will involve some physical activity, such as using fire extinguishing equipment and rescue tools under the supervision of trained Fire Department personnel.

The first four CERT classes will be in-person sessions, scheduled to take place at City Hall in the Council Chambers from 6 to 9 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday from Aug. 18 through Aug. 25. The final in-person training class will be held at the Fire Station 6 & Regional Training Center, 1535 W. Winton Ave, from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27.

No walk-ins are accepted, and advance registration is required. Participants are required to attend all five (5) classes to receive certification. Interested participants can register for the training here and learn more about CERT on the Hayward Fire Department’s website here.