COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM PROGRAM

What is CERT?

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program is a 20 hour all-risk, all-hazard training offered by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. This valuable course is designed to help you protect yourself, your family, your neighbors and your neighborhood in an emergency situation. CERT training covers:

• Disaster Preparedness
• Fire Safety
• Disaster Medical Operations
• Light Search and Rescue Operations
• Disaster Psychology
• Terrorism and CERT

Why do we need it?

After a disaster, emergency resources will be taxed because they will be responding to mass casualty incidents and evaluating critical infrastructure. Residents, businesses, and schools may not receive emergency assistance for several days after a disaster. It is important that individuals take a proactive approach and receive emergency training prior to a catastrophic disaster.

What does it involve?

As a CERT member, you may be activated by the City to assist with disaster response activities after an emergency. CERT members are invited to attend refresher meetings once every two months. The meetings provide an opportunity to discuss training, communications, and other emergency preparedness topics. Additionally, the CERT Program takes an active role in exercising by participating in the City’s annual Disaster Drill. For the Citywide Disaster Drill on Thursday, November 16, 2006, CERT members performed search and rescue at an apartment complex, assisted with Shelter operations, and provided staff support at the City’s Cooling Station.

How to Join CERT

CERT classes are offered several times a year. The next training is scheduled for three consecutive Saturday’s on August 11, 18, and 25, 2007. The training will be held in the La Mirada Resource Center from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

To sign up for the free training, you may register at the La Mirada Resource Center, Activity Center, or Community Gymnasium. The training is open to individuals at least 18 years of age.

For additional information on the City’s Community Emergency Response Team Training or to be put on the interest list, please contact Anthony Santos, Emergency Management Coordinator, at (562) 902-2991.