La Quinta Citizen Volunteers
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area, and trains them in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members are also encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.
The City of La Quinta’s volunteer CERT group is organized to support the City during an emergency or disaster. CERT members provide other assistance in planning, preparedness, exercises and community events. They learn skills in areas of interest which include: first aid and CPR, HAM radio, emergency operations center, and field operations.
The basic 20 hour FEMA CERT training course is offered twice yearly in the Coachella Valley by the Coachella Valley Emergency Managers Association (CVEMA). Additional training is offered periodically by the City and other organizations.
The City of La Quinta is actively recruiting adult volunteers of all ages for the City’s volunteer program. Contact the Emergency Services Coordinator for an application at (760) 777-7061.
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