In the event of catastrophy, teams ready to roll
By Sylvie Belmond

belmond@theacorn.com

Photo courtesy of FLOYD MORGAN READY TO HELP––Members of the Simi Valley Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) are trained by professional emergency personnel. Above, Capt. Ed Hoe of Ventura County Fire Department shares his knowledge with CERT volunteers. Hoe serves at Station No. 41 on Church Street.

Although terrorist attacks are making world news, Simi Valley residents are more likely to face natural disasters, according to Randy White, emergency coordinator for Simi Valley. Many people might not know it, but Simi Valley is home to dedicated volunteers who are trained to help when disaster strikes.

Earthquakes are clearly the biggest threat, White said. While building codes have improved since the 1994 Northridge earthquake, “Earthquakes affect more people and are likely to damage more infrastructure than any human-made disaster,” he said.

Police, fire and medical personnel are ready for almost anything, White said, but everyone should be prepared to take care of themselves. Disasters don’t go away in a few hours.

Residents and businesses can be better prepared through the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, which began in 1994 and has trained about 600 people so far.

CERT members assume that professional emergency personnel will be swamped during a catastrophe. They’re trained to go into immediate action, first checking on their own families or coworkers and securing their homes or offices. 

They then check on their neighbors and go to a CERT staging area. CERT teams communicate with the city’s Emergency Operation Center through amateur radio operators based at each of the city’s fire stations.

Simi Valley also has its own Disaster Service Worker Platoon, a unique group of about 40 residents who are highly trained in disaster response. The Disaster Service Worker Platoon is a spin-off from the CERT program, said John Saffelo, a volunteer leader and senior member of Simi Valley’s platoon.

Platoon members have had training beyond the CERT program.

“CERT people are trained for disasters, but the platoon is a step above that,” said Saffelo, who helps with CERT training and coordinates the platoon.

Most recently, the platoon responded to landslides, mudslides and flooding during the winter’s heavy storms.

The platoon is also trained to fight fires and could be called to serve anywhere in the state, White said. “These people are highly prepared and motivated.”

During the 2003 fires, the team helped with shelter efforts, assisted evacuation preparations and brought supplies to firefighters on the job.

Platoon members undergo monthly training sessions and participate in scheduled exercises four times a year.

The CERT program needs volunteers,” said Saffelo, hoping to expand the team to 50 members.

Before joining the DSW platoon, residents must first complete .CERT training. Registration is currently underway for fall classes.

For more information about the program or to apply, call Bruce Wilson at (805) 583-6238.