As part of year-round efforts to be prepared for all emergencies, the City of Malibu is gearing up to offer its first emergency training course of the year beginning Saturday, Jan. 31 and continuing every Saturday thereafter until Feb. 21.
Among several categories, Malibu’s Community Emergency Response Team trains in disaster preparedness, fire suppression, medical treatment, light search and rescue, and terrorism.
CERT most recently put its training into action on Thanksgiving weekend when several members were needed to help direct traffic during a water main break that created a sinkhole on Pacific Coast Highway and Trancas Canyon Road.
“Following a major disaster, police, fire, and medical personnel who are the first responders may be unable to meet the high demand for emergency services due to such factors as power and communications outages, obstructed roads, and the sheer number of victims,” a city announcement stated. “People will need to rely on themselves and each other to meet the immediate lifesaving and life-sustaining needs, particularly in isolated neighborhoods that may be cut off from the main roads for a period of time.”
Those interested in the courses must be at least 16 years old and attend all classes for certification.
To sign up or for more information, email Emergency Services Coordinator Brad Davis at bdavis@malibucity.org or call 310.456.2489 ext. 260.