Community Emergency Response Team - CERT

Over the past several years, many residents of the City of Los Angeles have participated in the CERT program, run by the LA Fire Department. The volunteer training prepares community members to take an active role helping the LAFD, and their neighbors, in the event of an emergency.

The idea is that during a major earthquake or other disaster neighbors should be ready to help neighbors, and should be prepared ahead of time to interact with LAFD and other City Departments, like LAPD.

This is a program for all of us, young and old, and from every walk of life.

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There's a terrific community website that's devoted to the CERT program, CERT-LA.com, created and maintained by CERT graduates and volunteers who work closely with the LA City Fire Department Disaster Preparedness Unit. While not an official part of the LAFD, their goal is to provide information, a forum for discussion, and a point of contact between Community Emergency Response Teams and CERT members everywhere.

The CERT-LA website lists many related events that are being held out in the neighborhoods, along with a lot of useful information, newsletters, articles and ideas how we all can become involved.

BASIC CERT TRAINING

If you haven't taken the CERT training yet, or you know someone who wants to, or you want to review a class, or you want to review all seven, check the CERT-LA Basic Training Schedule where you'll find trainings scheduled to start in July, September, November, next January and even a few for next March!

ADVANCED CERT LEVELS

Check out the CERT-LA Red Cross Schedule for July-December 2002! There are Level 2 classes scheduled for Burbank, East LA, Valencia, Van Nuys, West LA, Pasadena, San Gabriel and West Covina. A Level 3 class will start August 6 in Van Nuys.

SUPER CPR

Is it time to learn CPR, or time to renew your skills? Red Cross Super CPR Events will be held July 13, 20, 28 and August 11. The cost for the 4-hour class is $10 if you register on the day of the event, and $5 if you pre-register. Call 1-800-627-7000 to pre-register. Super CPR will be held in Santa Monica, Inglewood, East LA, Pasadena, Burbank, West LA and Van Nuys.

WORLD'S LARGEST FIRST AID CLASS

Actually, three of them. This Red Cross class will teach you what to do with minor injuries that occur in and around the home. The class is FREE. To register, call 1-800-627-7000.

Event locations:
Saturday, July 27, Hansen Dam, Los Angeles
Saturday, August 3, Castle Park, Riverside
Sunday, August 4, at Raging Waters, San Dimas

You can email the group directly for more information: