California

$50,000 Grant Brings Emergency Response Training to High School Students

When a disaster strikes, communities need all hands on deck – even the hands of willing young adults. Thanks to a $50,000 grant from State Farm Insurance, the Teen Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is expanding its reach in the North Bay, certifying students as first responders.

“Preparing for disasters has long been a top priority with State Farm and these types of programs are now more important than ever,” said State Farm Agency Field Executive Mike Mutch. “Natural disasters are happening more frequently and bringing with them greater amounts of damage. It’s extremely encouraging to see young adults taking advantage of opportunities like this.”

The classroom-based training will be two-fold. Courses for nearly 50 trainers will be held in January, followed by training for about 100 students. Instructor training will include CERT volunteers, teachers, students and first responders from Sonoma and Mendocino Counties, while the student classes will primarily encompass high schools in Sonoma County. 

Upon completion of the Teen CERT program, students become certified to become first responders during a disaster. A partnership between the Sonoma and Mendocino County Offices of Education will integrate the involvement of CERT instruction and student participation in the program. 

“State Farm has been an exceptional partner in the Teen CERT program,” said program coordinator Craig Zachlod. “Over time, this commitment will provide tremendous benefits to North Bay communities.”

Outreach for this program will reach several thousand people including students and community organizations through hands-on interaction and media exposure. The program includes a professionally produced DVD from IlluminaVisual and involves graduate students from Expression College in Emeryville, California. The visual presentation will be distributed through agents’ offices and social media outlets including YouTube.