Register for CERT Today
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What is CERT?

Community Emergency Response Team

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a program that trains individuals to assist their communities in the event of a disaster. CERT members are volunteers who receive training in basic disaster response skills, including fire safety, search and rescue, medical care, and disaster preparedness. By joining CERT, you play an important role in helping your neighbors and supporting local emergency responders during emergencies or major events.

If a major earthquake, or any disaster, hits do you …

• have enough supplies for a minimum of 72 hours up to an entire month for all family members, including pets?
• know how to turn off the gas?
• know how to safely turn off the power?
• know how to apply first aid?
• have enough water for all of your family and your pets?
• have provisions for living outside your home for a length of time if the structure is compromised?

It is important to know: if a major disaster occurs, the Montebello Fire Department, Police Department and other public safety agency service may NOT come. They will be deployed FIRST to major incidents first that, depending on their severity, may have them at one particular incident for many hours - meaning that you are now the first responder on the scene. 

This is why you constantly hear that YOU must be prepared to take care of yourself. In the CERT course they say…“The Greatest Good for the Greatest Number of People.” When you are trained, you are far more equipped to deal with your circumstances without needing aid from outside sources.

You can become a part of CERT Today!

New class Starting May 7th- June 11th. 

Becoming part of CERT is a rewarding way to give back to your community. By volunteering your time and effort, you help ensure that our community is ready to face any disaster, large or small. The Montebello Fire Department's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is an all-risk, all-hazard training. This valuable course is designed to help you protect yourself, your family, your neighbors and your neighborhood in an emergency situation. CERT members receive 3 hours a day for 6 classes of initial training for a total of 18 hours. The class will be provided free of charge within the City of Montebello to anyone 18 or over (until the class meets the capacity).

 CERT members are trained in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. You will learn how to prepare for emergencies, what supplies you should NOW have in your house, how much food, how much water but most importantly, how to protect your family in an emergency.

Interested in joining?

Fill out the application form below or contact our CERT coordinator at [email protected] for more details.

[Apply Now]

Registration for Cert will be done through Eventbrite. We will be taking registrations until the May 6th or when capacity for the class has been met. Please be aware that consecutive attendance is required. If you will not be available for all (six) classes, please follow us for more class dates in the future. 

How CERT Supports the Fire Department

CERT members provide vital support during emergencies by:

• Assisting with crowd control and evacuations

• Providing first aid until medical professionals arrive

• Supporting search and rescue teams

• Relaying information to first responders about affected areas

• Helping manages shelters and distribution centers

By working alongside fire departments and other first responders, CERT members ensure that critical resources are efficiently utilized during a crisis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need to have previous emergency response experience to join CERT? A: No, CERT training is designed for anyone, regardless of experience. We provide all the necessary training to help you become a skilled volunteer.

Q: Will I be asked to go into dangerous situations? A: Your safety is our top priority. CERT members are trained to assess risks and only perform tasks within their capabilities. You’ll work under the supervision of experienced first responders when deployed.

Q: How often do CERT members meet? A: CERT members meet regularly for training, drills, and community outreach activities. There are also opportunities for special events and exercises.

Q: Can I still be part of CERT if I have a full-time job? A: Yes! Many CERT members have full-time jobs, and training schedules are flexible. You can participate in CERT activities based on your availability.

Contact Us

For more information about CERT, upcoming training sessions, or to ask any questions, please reach out to our CERT coordinator:

• If you have any questions, email us at: [email protected]

• Call Montebello Fire Department for any Questions at (323) 887-2510. 

•  Follow us on Instagram Here for CERT and Fire Department Updates and Activities. 

Together, we can make our community stronger and safer.