Chairman Donald P. Wagner Allocates Funds to Improve Public Safety in his District

(Santa Ana, CA) – Today, Chairman Donald P. Wagner of the Orange County Board of Supervisors allocated $20,000 from the Third District discretionary funds to go towards a Community Emergency Response Team CERT program for the canyon community. The program’s trainings and drills are focused on disaster preparedness when professional responders are not immediately available. Unfortunately, the canyon community has experienced several natural disasters over the years, including fires and debris flows. Cities in the Third District currently offer a CERT program, which educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may occur where they live.

As a Director at the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), Chairman Wagner noticed this resource needed to expand into the unincorporated areas of his District.

“Public safety remains one of my top priorities and preparation is key. The $20,000 from the Third District discretionary funds will help jumpstart registration for canyon residents wanting to join the inaugural CERT program. The trainings are of enormous benefit to our community, educating neighbors on how to help save life and property in the critical seconds before professional first responders come on the scene,” said Supervisor Don Wagner.

The Orange County Fire Authority, in working with their Community Educators, is developing a CERT program for the residents of the unincorporated canyon areas. The public will be able to register for future training sessions on the OCFA website.   

The one-time funds will help cover purchasing basic CERT backpack kits, First Aid supplies, fire safety training supplies, a tow behind trailer with associated equipment and other items OCFA will need for this CERT program for the canyons. Drills include fire safety, light search and rescue, triage, first aid, team organization, disaster psychology, terrorism, disaster medical operations, and more.

To learn more about the Third District office, please visit donwagnerca.com and follow him on social media @donwagnerca for the latest updates.

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