By Matt Myerhoff, Malibu Public Information Officer
As part of National Preparedness Month and in anticipation of peak fire season, the City will offer a free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training course starting on Thursday, September 5 at City Hall. Those who complete the seven-class course will receive a free backpack with emergency gear.
“I have completed the CERT training myself, and I urge everyone in Malibu to take the course as well because it is up to all of us to ensure that our community is ready for wildfires, earthquakes and other emergencies,” said Mayor Jefferson “Zuma Jay” Wagner. “There could not be a better time than National Preparedness Month to sign up for the CERT course.”
CERT is a highly-acclaimed program of free courses administered by the City of Malibu that empowers citizens to help during disasters. Through hands-on training, participants learn the most up-to-date information in basic disaster preparedness, the use of a fire extinguisher, disaster medical care, first aid, search and rescue techniques, disaster psychology and neighborhood team building.
CERT volunteers are a crucial part of the City’s ability to prepare and respond to disasters. Participants must complete all seven classes to receive a certificate of completion. Any participant who misses a class may make it up during a future course series.
In 2017, the City Council adopted the CERT Program Guidelines, an important step in formally incorporating the program and the trained, dedicated CERT volunteers into the City’s Emergency Management System. The guidelines outline the requirements to become an active member of the official Malibu CERT Team, as well as the organizational structure, team responsibilities, ongoing participation requirements, and activation procedures. Malibu CERT Team members are registered Disaster Service Workers. In addition to completing the CERT training course, they have to complete Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) trainings, serve at least 30 hours per year and attend regular meetings and drills.
CERT Class Schedule:
Thursday, September 5, 6 p.m.
Thursday, September 12, 6 p.m.
Thursday, September 26, 6 p.m.
Thursday, October 3, 6 p.m.
Thursday, October 10, 6 p.m.
Thursday, October 17, 6 p.m.
Thursday, October 24, 6 p.m.
For more information or to sign up, visit http://malibusafety.eventbrite.com or call Public Safety Specialist Stephanie Berger at 310-456-2489 ext. 368 or email SBerger@malibucity.org.
For a list of all of the National Preparedness Month activities, visit www.MalibuCity.org/PreparednessMonth.
