Residents completed a six-week Community Emergency Response Team training program on Sunday, bringing the San Mateo Highlands CERT to more than 130 members, Cal Fire officials said.
The training culminated in a full-scale one-day drill, hosted by San Mateo County Fire Department/CAL FIRE, who taught participants hands-on life saving skills.
“When a major disaster occurs, members of the community are vital in assisting emergency response agencies,” San Mateo County Fire Chief John Ferreira said.
“The Highlands CERT program is a great example of community-based disaster response; I am very proud of their accomplishment,” he said.
CERT is a nationally accepted program designed to provide members of the community the training and organization to effectively respond to disasters.
CERT members learn to put out small fires, provide initial first aid, search for victims, organize volunteer’s and work with emergency response agencies.
The training took place at San Mateo County Fire Station 17 on Paul Scannell Drive in The Highlands of San Mateo.
The training is a collaboration between The Highlands Recreation District and San Mateo County Fire Department/CAL FIRE.
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