CERT Class at the CRC April 2024

The El Paso Fire Department’s Community Risk Reduction Division, in collaboration with the Office of Emergency Management, successfully hosted a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class at the Community Readiness Center, formerly known as Moorehead Middle School. The event, held on April 16, aimed to equip residents with essential skills to effectively respond to emergencies and disasters in their communities.

The CERT program, a national initiative, provides community members with the knowledge and tools necessary to assist in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Participants in the class learned a variety of critical skills, including basic first aid, fire safety, search and rescue operations, and disaster psychology.

“This training is an invaluable resource for our community,” said Battalion Chief Efrain Robles. “By empowering residents with these skills, we enhance the overall resilience of our city and ensure that we are better prepared to handle emergencies together.”

The Community Readiness Center, previously Moorehead Middle School, proved to be an ideal location for the training. Its transformation into a hub for emergency preparedness reflects the community’s commitment to safety and readiness.

“The CERT program is a crucial component of our community’s emergency preparedness strategy,” said Mario Ontiveros, Office of Emergency Management Lead Planner. “By educating and training our residents, we enhance the overall resilience of our city and ensure a more robust response during disasters.”

The El Paso Fire Department and the Office of Emergency Management plan to continue offering CERT classes and other educational opportunities to promote community preparedness. For more information on upcoming classes and how to get involved, visit elpasoready.org or contact FD-communityriskreduction@elpasotexas.gov

By hosting these essential training sessions, the El Paso Fire Department and the Office of Emergency Management continue to demonstrate their dedication to building a safer and more prepared community.

Photos courtesy of Camille Rodriguez, EPFD CRR