By Daily Press staff
Community members interested in learning disaster relief techniques from the Red Cross are invited to participate in an upcoming series of classes.
As part of the American Red Cross of Santa Monica’s effort to assure that the community is ready for the next disaster, the chapter is offering a series of disaster response classes in conjunction with Santa Monica College for the first time.
In addition to the basic level disaster response training currently offered, the chapter also has scheduled several advanced classes for those residents who are ready to take on the responsibility of supervisory and leadership rolls. All classes are taught by certified American Red Cross instructors and required for persons who wish to volunteer at a disaster response scene, whether it be a local incident or in a disaster away from home. Prerequisite for all classes is the basic Red Cross disaster response course, “Introduction to Disaster Services.” Some other classes have additional prerequisites.
The courses and dates for classes currently being offered are as follows: ■ Public Affairs in Disaster — Public affairs functions in disaster relief operations, working with media and delivering the Red Cross message. Saturday, Dec. 3, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ■ Emergency Assistance to Families — Learn the skills and tools necessary to conduct an effective client interview and providing emergency assistance to those clients. Saturday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ■ Supervision in Disaster — Learn effective communications and problem solving skills necessary to assess and manage the performance of the work unit. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10 and 11, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (two days, 16-hour class) ■ Damage Assessment — Learn the four methods of collecting accurate damage assessment information for disaster relief operations. Saturday, Dec. 10, 8 a.m. to noon. ■ Shelter Simulation — Apply the skills required to run a successful shelter. Saturday, Dec. 10, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. ■ ERV: Ready, Set, Roll — Learn what is required of an emergency response vehicle crew to properly support the feeding function in a relief operation. Must be a currently licensed and insured driver with an excellent driving record. You must bring your DMV record to class. Sunday, Dec. 11, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ■ Disaster Instructor Training — Teaching uniform and quality disaster training consistent with Red Cross policies, regulations and procedures of disaster services. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17 and 18, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (two days, 16-hour class) ■ Shelter Operations — Learn what is required in running a successful a shelter. This class should be taken along with Shelter Simulation. Saturday, Dec. 17, 8 a.m. to Noon ■ Shelter Simulation — Apply the skills required to run a successful shelter. Saturday, Dec. 17, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
This is the first time in many years that most of these courses have been available through the Santa Monica Red Cross. Advance registration is a must. Class sizes are limited to 20 persons. To register for a course, call the Santa Monica Red Cross during business hours, Monday through Friday at (310) 394-3773.
For specific questions about a class, call (310) 394-3773, ext. 103. All classes will be held on the Santa Monica College campus, 1900 Pico Blvd. and are free.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 2, 2005. Read the original PDF.