University’s Community Emergency Response Training Program Awarded

A nonprofit organization dedicated to preparing for natural and human-caused disasters has presented the University of La Verne with a certificate of recognition for its Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) program.

The California Emergency Services Association (CESA) Southern Chapter committee recognized the university because of the dedication organizers and participants show to emergency preparedness.

The University of La Verne is one of only seven higher education institutions in Southern California to offer CERT disaster training on its main campus. Members of the campus community who complete the course learn about hazardous situations that could affect the campus, such as potential structural issues at buildings following an earthquake. If a building is mildly damaged, participants are trained to enter safely and conduct a search for people.

The university began offering CERT training in January 2016. Fifty students, faculty, staff and community members have completed the program.

“To be recognized in this program’s first year is a testament to the hard work of the university’s safety committee,” said Chief Financial Officer Avo Kechichian, who serves on the university’s steering committee, which oversees safety initiatives such as CERT.

Director of Risk Management Alexander Soto brought the program to the university after taking nearby Pomona College’s CERT class in February 2015.

To learn more about the program contact Soto at asoto@laverne.edu or 909-448-4516.