The Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) concept was developed and first implemented by the Los Angles city Fire Department in 1985. The CERT program helps citizens understand their responsibilities in preparing for disaster and increases their ability to help themselves, their families, and their neighbors safely in many types of situations. Experience had shown that in the event of an earth quake or similar event, emergency services would be overwhelmed with serious incidents and unable to respond promptly to every problem. The CERT program was developed to train citizens to help themselves. The training members must complete is usually delivered in nine 2.5 hour sessions with the sessions taking place one evening per week. The training covers the following topics, Disaster Preparedness, Fire safety and Utility control, Disaster Medical Operations part 1, Disaster Medical Operations part2, Light search and rescue operations, CERT organization, Disaster Psychology, Terrorism and CERT, course review and disaster simulation. The appendix in the cert training manual includes lesson plans for 13 hazardous situations.

I agree with your response Jon that the CERT program is a vital resource for communities, especially during disasters when emergency services are overwhelmed. By providing citizens with structured training in disaster preparedness, fire safety, medical operations, and search and rescue, CERT empowers individuals to act effectively and safely. The structured sessions not only build practical skills but also promote teamwork and resilience. This proactive approach ensures communities are better prepared to support themselves, their families, and their neighbors until professional responders arrive.