Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

Community Emergency Response Team

In 1985, the Los Angeles Fire Department recognized that, in the early stages of a Disaster (earthquakes in particular), local emergency responders could be overwhelmed, and basic training in disaster survival and rescue skills would improve the ability of community members to survive until emergency responders or other assistance arrived. This is how CERT came about.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) worked with the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) to make the CERT Program applicable to all types of hazards. A training program was developed to prepare community members to prepare responsibly and appropriately when emergencies occur.

CERT members give critical support to first responders in emergencies, provide immediate assistance to victims, organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site, and collect disaster intelligence to support first responder efforts.

If you join CERT, you will receive basic-level training in the following areas:

• Emergency Preparedness
• Disaster Medical Operations
• Fire Suppression
• Light Search and Rescue Operations
• CERT Operations/Incident Command System
• Disaster Psychology
• Terrorism Awareness
• Disaster Simulation - Skills Review

Total training is approximately 20 hours, usually scheduled in 2 to 4-hour sessions, over a period of weeks or months. Training courses, student materials, and equipment are free of charge.

If you are interested in joining the City of Englewood CERT, and have already passed or plan to attend the Basic Training, please contact Deborah L. Baldwin, Certified CERT Program Manager, Department of Health, at 201-568-3450, extension 502, or email Deborah L. Baldwin.

There were 36 graduates of the Basic Training program on December 17, 2019 - three of whom, were from Englewood!

Basic Training for 2020 will be scheduled based on interest from the community.