COVID ADJUSTMENTS

MERRAG is presently converting some of its training modules to Zoom and/or online content. Check our Calendar for details about the next session. And check back here for additional info from time to time about how we will educate the community given the present constraints.

TYPICAL MERRAG TRAINING SCHEDULE

MERRAG trains it volunteers and community members according to the national Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program's 6-module syllabus, augmented with additional modules customized for the Montecito neighborhood.

Get acquainted with CERT online! - Click here for info

The MERRAG calendar displays this year's CERT training schedule. Here is a sample of the kinds of trainings offered (though it has been modified for 2020 due to Covid):

• Module 1 – Disaster Preparedness
• Module 2 – Disaster Fire Suppression
• Module 3 – Disaster Medical Operations part 1
• Module 4 – Disaster Medical Operations part 2
• Module 5 – Light Search and Rescue Operations
• Module 6 – Disaster Psychology and Team Organization
• Special Module – Terrorism and CERT
• Special Module – Wildland Fire in the Urban Interface
• Special Module – Winter Weather Preparedness
• Special Module – Great California Shakeout exercise

ORIENTATION

Available at all monthly meetings

• Brief history of MERRAG organization
• Importance and use of local communications (radios, phone tree)
• Hands-on exercises
• Involvement in monthly meetings/training
• Participation in community emergencies

CPR/FIRST AID

Dates vary

• Personal preparation for disasters
• First Aid & CPR
• Fire Suppression Techniques
• Supplemental experience with MERRAG radio and pagers
• Introduction to outside services (Red Cross, OES, and CERT)

ADVANCED EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Dates vary

• MERRAG Activation Procedures
• Radio usage
• Nationally used emergency management concepts, including coordination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures and communications
• To prepare MERRAG members to assist Fire Department and local officials in emergencies (operations, planning, logistics, administration)
• ICS - Incident Command System
• NIMS - National Emergency Management System

COMMUNICATION VAN ORIENTATION

Available at all monthly meetings

Qualfied volunteers will learn how to operate the Communication Van including:

• Location of keys
• Generator usage
• Supply Locations