Indio Offering Free Emergency Response Training for Residents This Month

The City of Indio is inviting residents to sign up for a free, three-day Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training later this month, giving community members hands-on skills to handle emergencies before professional help can arrive.

The training runs March 20 through 22 at the Indio Emergency Operations Center, located at 45222 Towne St. Friday's session runs from 5 to 9 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday sessions going from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The program, provided by Indio Emergency Management and Cal Fire Riverside County, covers fire suppression safety, light search and rescue, basic medical aid, and how to organize volunteers during a disaster. Participants will learn to open airways, control bleeding, treat for shock, and manage utilities in an emergency.

The city describes CERT as "a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens will be initially on their own and their actions can make a difference."

The training is free and open to Indio residents. To register, visit the city's sign-up page at the link provided. For questions, residents can call 760-541-4298 or email indiocert@indio.org.