In Los Angeles, disaster preparedness is a primary focus for all city departments. Partnership with the community, volunteer groups, non-profits, stakeholders, and city leaders will make Los Angeles resilient to disasters and ready for recovery.

The Los Angeles Fire Department wants to prepare you for 13 federally identified threats to Los Angeles, which include the following: Earthquakes, Fires, Extreme Heat, Extreme Cold, Landslides, Severe Weather & Flooding, Public Health, Hurricanes, Chemical Emergencies, Tsunami, Cyber Crime, Tornado, and Terrorism.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Unit provides disaster preparedness training for your home and workplace.  Preparedness topics include Earthquake Preparedness, Disaster Fire Suppression Techniques, Disaster Medical Operations & Multi-Casualty Incident, Light Search & Rescue Operations, Team Organization & Disaster Psychology, and Terrorism & Homeland Defense.

The Los Angeles Fire Department’s FREE CERT Program was developed because of the need for a well-trained civilian emergency work force. The CERT Program provides for community self-sufficiency through the development of multifunctional response teams who act as an adjunct to the city’s emergency services during major disasters. When disasters occur, CERT members can give critical support to first responders and provide immediate assistance to victims. CERT members can also assist with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community.

You can view available CERT class dates and information here.

For more CERT information, go to www.cert-la.com or contact the CERT office at (213) 893-9840 or by email at lafdcert@lacity.org.