Response team classes registration now open

Residents can register for the Newport Beach Fire Department’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes scheduled to begin next month, officials announced.

The classes, available Tuesday and Thursday nights beginning Feb. 5 or Saturdays beginning Feb. 21, teach members of the public how to respond to natural or man-made disasters that can happen any time.

The program is open and free of charge to anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Newport Beach. People will learn First Aid and CPR, light search and rescue, fire suppression and terrorism awareness, among other things.

CERT members were heavily used during the Freeway Complex Fire in Yorba Linda and Brea in November. Members helped residents and fire officials deal with the immediate need of those affected by the blaze.

Weeknight classes are from 7 to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday classes are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Both classes conclude with a disaster drill March 14.

For more information, call Matt Brisbois at (949) 644-3112 or go to www.nbcert.org.

— Joseph Serna