Living near earthquake faults, it’s not a matter of “if” when it comes to the big one, said Kris Mangano, emergency services specialist for the County Office of Emergency Services.
“It’s a matter of when,” she said.
It’s one reason why her office oversees the current, eight-week course for county residents hoping to join a new Community Emergency Response Team. With classes offered at no charge to locals, it’s one of many CERT teams throughout the nation helped with funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The CERT teams are designed to promptly assemble groups of volunteers to assist responders during disasters. Their primary job is to “take care of their home and their neighbors” with such acts as turning off gas and water or giving basic first-aid, Mangano said.
Apparently residents here are keen on the idea of helping neighbors in need, as the first class filled quickly to the maximum number of participants, 30. Members must attend all eight sessions to join. Others will have to wait for the next training session to come around, said Mangano, who wants to offer weekend classes for commuters.
The Hollister Fire Department is assisting the County Office of Emergency Services during some of the sessions. Outgoing Fire Chief Mike O’Connor called it a “great program.”
O’Connor said the fire department would break down the CERT members into smaller teams handling specific duties, such as amateur radio, or designed to meet in certain areas.
“They can assist us during the disaster,” O’Connor said, “giving us information, being our eyes out there.”
