Wednesdays - October 16 through Nov 20, 2013
6:30 pm—9:30 pm
10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20
Contact: cert@ghnnc.org
Pre-registration requested
The Los Angeles Fire Department's CERT Program (free of charge) 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 emergencies happen, 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. Through this unique program, people from community organizations, business and industry, and city employee groups will become CERT members. They work as team members and perform as individual leaders by directing untrained volunteers in the initial phase of an emergency.
To become a CERT graduate, you must complete the 17-1/2 hour course (Level 1). Level 1 training is taught by professional experienced firefighters and paramedics. The course is followed by continuing education programs, including biannual refreshers.
We encourage our Level 1 graduates to enhance their education. Following the completion of Level 1, the CERT Program also offers Level 2 and Level 3 sequential training through the American Red Cross (ARC). CERT Level 2 includes 17 additional training hours in: “Disaster Services: An Overview”, “First Aid and CPR/AED”, and “Shelter Operations & Shelter Simulation”. Currently, Level 2 classes are free (except first aid/CPR). Check your local ARC’s or CERT’s website for available classes and dates. After you have completed Levels 1 & 2 training, Level 3 is a 50+ hour “Emergency Medical Response” course. A Level 3 CERT member will have completed nearly 80 total hours of training and be capable of effectively assisting the needs within the community. Contact the ARC for dates and cost for this course.
Currently, CERT teams are regionally located within the city according to the Fire Department battalion they live in or work in. Opportunities are available to join and train with a team and potentially become a CERT Battalion Coordinator. Currently, Battalion Coordinators have completed at least Levels 1 & 2 training . These Battalion Coordinators work closely with CERT team members and the Fire Department to develop a capable “response-ready” team.
If you are a licensed amateur radio operator (Ham) who desires to serve the Department and the community, the ham radio will back up the Department's 800-MHz radio system and provide radio support to CERT members, their families, and their Battalion Coordinators. Contact Chief Kevin Nida, the Los Angeles Fire Department‘s City Radio Officer at (213) 978-3536 or e-mail him at kevin.nida@lacity.org.
