Our Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class educates people about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
Using the training learned in the classroom and during live exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members are also encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.
Completing the CERT program empowers you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to make a difference in your community and at home. “It’s about doing the greatest good, for the greatest number of people, in the shortest amount of time.”
When a major disaster strikes our community, Long Beach CERT is READY. CERT teams are formed by members of a neighborhood or workplace who want to be better prepared for the hazards that threaten their communities. Your Long Beach CERT Volunteers in cooperation with the Long Beach Fire Department are committed to preparing our community for both big and small disasters.
Long Beach CERT provides the necessary training required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to empower our citizens to make a difference in a time of need. When a major disaster does strike, you will have the necessary CERT training that prepares you to have the skills & knowledge to assist neighbors, coworkers and to also support professional rescue personnel. Your leadership will help those around you after a major disaster occurs.
The Long Beach Fire Department has active corps of citizen volunteers that stand READY to respond.
CERT volunteers are trained to prepare for and respond to a disaster until first responders arrive. You will learn to manage a disaster in your home, work, neighborhood, or school. After taking care of yourself and your family, you can report to the City and perform duties such as providing damage assessment information about your neighborhood, sandbagging, sheltering, checking on the frail and elderly, working in the Emergency Operation Center (EOC), and providing support to the Fire and Police Departments.