Classes, Training and Information
RLA Training & Events Calendar
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Last years Maui fires and California’s every year forest fires are jolting reminders that we all need to regularly practice emergency preparedness and response skills. Each of you provides a highly important and valued service for your neighborhood and our community. We need to train and practice, so we can help others in our neighborhoods learn and become better prepared as well. That will help us all in a disaster
RLA’s role in non-emergency periods is to promote emergency preparedness in Los Altos in at least three areas:
Attracting and training new people to participate in emergency preparedness. Finding and training the almost 400 current citizen volunteers is to be commended; however, these volunteers represent only about 25% of the neighborhoods in Los Altos.
Ensuring that current volunteers remain active and engaged in their emergency preparedness roles. Unfortunately, changes in senior members of these groups and COVID have reduced engagement. RLA sees an urgent need to revitalize and reconnect with the Los Altos BATs, CERTs, and hams so that work already done will not be lost.
Attracting and connecting other stakeholder groups that have been identified but remain unengaged from participating in emergency preparedness.
RLA Emergency Preparedness Classes
While the current focus of RLA is emergency preparation in the community as we know it, a larger goal is to mold the community in a more holistic vision where community-building is a consideration of many more aspects of Los Altos life. The following are classes/drills that we are currently delivering:
- How volunteers work together to prepare & respond to disasters.
- How to Report Damage and Injuries to authorities in a disaster.
- How to communicate when cell towers are down.
- Building community in your neighborhood.
- Neighborhood Earthquake Drill.
Resilient Los Altos volunteers present five free classes on various of emergency preparedness at the Los Altos Community Center, 97 Hillview Ave. The Los Altos Parks and Recreation Department is collaborating with RLA to reach as many seniors and special-needs residents as possible, but the classes are open for anyone to register and attend. Officials said they hope the classes will lead to additional future to support community building, resilience, and preparedness in the community. The five classes that being taught are:
- Personal Emergency Preparedness Workshop
- Emergency Kits Every Family Should Have
- Preparing for Power Outages – Extra Considerations for Seniors
- The Mental and Emotional Aspect of Emergency
- Get Official Alerts in Emergency Situations
To set up an account and register for any of the Classes visit https://secure.rec1.com/CA/LosAltosRecreation/catalog
When you reach their site, look for the “Classes” heading., then click on “Emergency Preparation (Resilient Los Altos)” and it will list the classes we are offering and the dates. You need to have an account with them to register (even though the class is free).
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Why Spend 22+ Hours on To Become a CERT? It’s Simple—Your Family and Community Are Worth It!
Imagine this: you’re out on a hike, and someone nearby collapses. You know CPR, so you jump in and save a life. Or picture being able to stop severe bleeding from shattered glass in an earthquake, or to reach 911 through a ham radio message when cell towers are down. These are just a few of the incredible skills CERTs (Community Emergency Response Team members) have in their toolkit!
Santa Clara County Fire Department’s CERT Academy empowers residents with hands-on training in everything from disaster preparedness and emergency medical aid to light search and rescue, fire suppression, and even disaster psychology. In a major emergency—whether it’s an earthquake, flood, or fire—CERT volunteers are the local heroes helping neighbors and family when professional responders can’t get there right away.
The Academy is fun, fast-paced, and perfect for anyone eager to meet new friends who share a passion for helping others. Classes are a mix of six 3-hour evening sessions (half in person, half on Zoom) followed by an exciting Saturday morning “practicum” where you’ll put your new skills to the test in a simulated disaster scenario.
Academies are available thru out the year. Don’t miss this chance to join a group of friendly, dedicated neighbors who know the value of being ready for anything. There is a variety of additional training available. Just visit: