History Behind CERT
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire(LAFD) in 1985. The Whittier Narrows earthquake in 1987 underscored the area-wide threat of a major disaster in California. Further, it confirmed the need for training civilians to meet their immediate needs. As a result, the LAFD created the Disaster Preparedness Division with the purpose of training citizens and private and government employees.
The training program that LAFD initiated makes good sense furthers the process of citizens understanding their responsibility in preparing for disaster. It also increases their ability to safely help themselves, their family and their neighbors. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recognizes the importance of preparing citizens.
The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) and the National Fire Acedemy adopted and expanded the CERT materials believing them applicable to all hazards.
Since 1993 when this training was made avaiable nationally by FEMA, communities in 28 states and Purto Rico have conducted CERT training.
Who Would Benefit from CERT
The CERT course will benefit any citizen who takes it. This individual will be better prepared to respond to and cope with the aftermath of a disaster. Additionally, if a community wants to supplement its response capability after a disaster, civillians can be recruited and trained as neighborhood, business, and government teams that, in essence, will be auxillary responders. These groups can provide immediate assistance to victims in their area, organize spontaneous volunteers who have not had the training, and collect disaster intelligence that will assist professional responders with prioritization and allocation of resources following a disaster.
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