What is CERT and its purpose? CERT is short for Community Emergency Response Team. Its purpose is to train residents of the community to know what to do before, during and after an emergency or major catastrophe.  CERT volunteers are trained to assist themselves, their family and neighbors during times of crisis. Where did CERT originate? The City of Los Angeles Fire Department founded the CERT program in 1985 to enlist residents of the community to prepare for action during major emergencies. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is the official sanctioning body for CERT. FEMA provides a wealth of printed information for classes and train the instructors who teach the local CERT classes. The CERT classes cover: Disaster Preparedness Disaster Psychology Disaster Medical Operations I Team Organization Disaster Medical Operations II Certification for CPR & First Aid Light Search & Rescue When and where are the classes held? Classes are eight weeks and held two times each year at Redondo Beach Fire Station #2 located at 2400 Grant Ave. Contact the Redondo Beach Fire Department at (310) 318-0663 for future class dates. Who can become a CERT volunteer? Anyone living or working in the City of Redondo Beach can become a CERT volunteer. Current fee's for program enrollment are $40 for City residents and $100 for non-residents. Costs are per-person and includes all program materials and CPR certifications. How do I join? Call the Redondo Beach Fire Department and request that an application be mailed to you (also available (here). At that time, we will be able to let you know how many seats are available, as enrollment fills rather quickly at times. What can I do after I complete CERT training? An alumni association has been formed to keep volunteers active and updated on new information and classes. It’s also important to keep your CPR and first aid certification current and to participate in mock disaster training drills.