C.E.R.T. - Community Emergency Response Team

Posted on 09/07/2026

Anyone in good health and with a sense of community can become a part of CERT. If you become a CERT member, you will learn about important life-safety support techniques. You will, however, not be expected to place yourself in dangerous situations, either in the training or when a disaster strikes.

Training includes:

Learning to suppress small fires
Basic first aid, including ABC treatment, treatment for shock, and related techniques
Evacuation tactics and how to collaborate with city agencies to support neighborhood exits
Search tactics
Communications, including the use of radios

A key factor for CERT members is the ability to spontaneously organize and activate themselves in the event of a major disaster. If there is a significant earthquake, phones and other communications channels may be interrupted. CERT members will know where to go, how to organize their efforts, and will get to work without any specific order being issued.A CERT member's first responsibility is to his or herself, then his or her family, and finally his or her community.

HOW TO BECOME A CERT MEMBER

LAFD CERT members receive 17 ½ hours (one day a week for seven weeks) of initial training. The 7-week course is followed by full-day bi-annual refresher drills, and an opportunity to assist the LAFD at local incidents. CERT training is provided free of charge within the City of Los Angeles to anyone 18 or over.

It’s free.

It’s empowering.

It could save lives.

Classes are taught mornings, afternoons and evenings continually throughout the year in locations all over Los Angeles.

Important CERT Resources:

LAFD CERT Class Calendar [ View Calendar ]

LAFD CERT Updates [View Important Updates]

CERT-LA - https://www.cert-la.com/

LAFD / CERT https://lafd.org/join/volunteer/cert

CONTACT INFORMATION

CERT Unit
Los Angeles Fire Department
Homeland Security Division

201 N. Figueroa St., Suite 1225
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213.202.3136 [Direct Line]
213.202.3187 [Fax]

Email requests: [email protected]

You can also organize a class for your neighborhood, business, church or community group. You need a minimum of 25 people and a location to hold the training. The LAFD CERT Training only conducts non-discriminatory classes. Non-discrimination includes race, religion, gender, and group affiliations. For additional civilian generated information: CERT-LA Website. NOTE: The CERT program initiated in the City of Los Angeles is now is a proud partner of Citizen's Corps, and is for every U.S. resident.