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In the event of a major disaster, fire and police may not be able to meet the immediate need for emergency services in all areas of the City. In recognition of this need, local residents formed the La Quinta Community Emergency Response
Team (CERT), a nonprofit tax-exempt organization, to help La Quinta respond in an emergency. To strengthen communications in an emergency, CERT works in partnership with the volunteer Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES). CERT/RACES are an integral part of the City fire and police emergency response. In the event of a major disaster, CERT/RACES volunteers will report to the City Emergency Operations Center to assist emergency personnel as needed. CERT volunteers have received extensive and ongoing training in emergency response procedures including: • First aid, CPR, use of automatic electronic defibrillators (AED) • Assessing injured individuals for their need for medical care to expedite their treatment when medical personnel arrive at the scene • Safe removal of injured victims from damaged structures • Surveying neighborhoods to locate and assess injured individuals • Working with animal control officials to locate, house and care for stray animals In addition, CERT volunteers: • Provide information and assistance to gated communities on disaster planning • Assist in Home Depot emergency preparation events • Provide first aid for the annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life • Distribute disaster preparation materials at the La Quinta Community Picnic Donations can be a check or cash mailed to: La Quinta CERT PO Box 1504, 78495 Calle Tampico La Quinta, CA 92247-1504 Make check out to: La Quinta CERT Tax deduction receipts will be mailed for your donation. |