Emergency response training classes begin again

Those interested in getting training from Newport Beach to handle disasters can register for the next round of classes, which start in January.

Classes for the Community Emergency Response Team are available to anyone who works, lives or attends school in the area, officials said. Volunteers are trained over several weeks to become a certified disaster worker, and are prepared to assist local emergency crews in the event of a large-scale natural catastrophe that overwhelms firefighters, paramedics and other city crews.

Emergency aids were extremely helpful during the recent Santiago Canyon Fires in October, feeding fire crews in their off-time, relaying messages between the different agencies, and assessing the fire damage with investigators after the blaze was extinguished.

To certify as many residents as possible, two classes will be offered simultaneously this winter, officials said.

One will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, beginning Jan. 15. The second class will be from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on three consecutive Saturdays starting Jan. 19.

For further information on the program, to request a schedule, or application please call (949) 644-3112 or visit www.nbcert.org.

— Kelly Strodl