The ability of your neighborhood, workplace, or school to respond effectively during and after an emergency incident depends on how well you use the resources in the community. Local fire, law enforcement, medical services, and other personnel may be overwhelmed and unable to assist you after a disaster. To better prepare yourself, your family, business, work location, and/or school, you should take classes, and/or learn about other resources that can assist you in an emergency.

City of Santa Clarita Community Emergency Response Training (CERT)
The course is 21 hours long, and is instructed in seven sessions. Topics covered include: disaster preparedness, fire suppression safety/utility control, hazardous materials, terrorism, triage, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue operations, and team organization and management. The final night of class concludes with hands-on disaster simulation. Once trained, you can volunteer for the City and help in emergencies and events. Check the City website for class schedule, at www.santa-clarita.com/emergency, or call (661) 255-4965.

American Red Cross
The American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles is made up of a diverse community of professional volunteers whose dedication, teamwork, and compassion helps deliver disaster relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. We seek dependable volunteers to help in various roles and projects that help us fulfill our mission. Many volunteer projects and functions require a minimum time commitment of four-six hours a month. Also offered are preparedness classes in CPR/ First Aid, babysitting, etc. The local American Red Cross office is located at 23838 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 120, adjacent to City Hall.

Call: (661) 259-1805.

This information is courtesy of the City of Santa Clarita's Emergency Management Office.