February 24, 2013 (Descanso)--If a disastrous event overwhelms or delays the community’s professional response, Community Emergency Response Tea.m. (CERT) members can assist others by applying the basic response and organizational skills that they learned during training.  These skills can help save and sustain lives following a disaster until professional help arrives.

The CERT training will be held in Descanso at the Town Hall on March 8-9 and March 14-16.  The classes themselves are free. 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

December 5, 2012 (San Diego) -- During this busy time of year, there are more and more people on the road now than ever before. This is the “season” and we will likely be spending more time ourselves shopping, traveling, attending gatherings and rushing about during this time. This is when accidents occur as we have many distractions. If you or someone you love is in need of emergency assistance, you want help to arrive immediately.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Thanksgiving Cooking Safety Tips!

November 20, 2012 (San Diego)--Thanksgiving signifies the beginning of the Holiday Season and many of us will be spending more time in the kitchen preparing for the Holidays according Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Thanksgiving Day is the leading day for home cooking fires, with three times as many occurring on Thanksgiving as any other day of the year. In 2010, there were 1,370 fires on Thanksgiving, a 219 percent increase over the daily average. “Thanksgiving is a fun, festive holiday, but it’s also very hectic says DiGiovanna. “All the entertaining and distractions make it easy to forget about what’s cooking on the stovetop.”

By Sam DiGiovanna, East County Magazine In House Fire Chief

August 8, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--As spring and summer time calls people and snakes alike to the outdoors, encounters with snakes become inevitable. California has a variety of snakes, most of which are benign. The exception is California’s only native venomous snake - the rattlesnake.

By Sam DiGiovanna

• Listen to your portable radio for reports and evacuation information.
• Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape.
• Close garage windows and doors, but leave them unlocked.
• Confine pets to one room.
• Arrange temporary housing.
• When advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Wear protective clothing.
• Take your emergency kit.
• Lock your home.
• Follow the evacuation route that your local officials have identified.

 
February 1, 2012 (El Cajon)--The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is all about being prepared for a disaster, such as an earthquake, firestorm or house fire. This FREE preparedness education program offers residents the knowledge and tools they'll need in the event of a disaster.  The first academy is now full, but there are two more academies being offered for 2012.  Pick the one that best fits your schedule, and call (619) 441-1737 to register.  Please leave your name and best contact phone number.  Hurry, classes will fill quickly.