Applications for CERT training sought

The Newport Beach Fire Department is taking applications for its spring round of Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes, which start in March.

CERT classes teach attendees how to respond to disasters, covering topics such as fire suppression, terrorism awareness, and search and rescue.

“For residents that are interested in learning how to take care of themselves and to help their neighbors following an unexpected disaster, the CERT program is for them,” said Matt Brisbois, a safety specialist with the department.

The Newport Beach program has won accolades from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the White House.

Between March 11 and April 5, the Fire Department is offering three CERT classes. They meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings, daytime Thursdays or all-day Saturdays.

To attend one of the classes, residents should fill out an application form, indicating when they’d like to attend, and mail the application to the listed address. The form is available at https://www.nbcert.org.

CERT classes are open to all Orange County residents, but those who don’t live in Newport Beach will pay $40.

More information is available by calling (949) 644-3112 or e-mailing nbcert@nbfd.net.

— Jeremiah Dobruck