What is the Manhattan Beach Community Emergency Response Team (MBCERT)?

CERT is a volunteer organization of trained citizens who will help themselves and their neighbors during emergencies, when public safety employees are overwhelmed during a major emergency, and cannot respond to all of the calls for help.

What is involved in this course?

Each class is approximately 22 hours long. The classes are planned for three sessions (7 ½ hours +7 ½ hours +7 ½ hours) on Saturdays. Dates will be on the Website Calendar, and there is typically one class in the spring and one class in the fall, depending on the number of sign ups. The last class session is a simulated disaster drill to practice the skills learned.

What classes are included?

The classes are broken into 2+ hour modules:

• Disaster Preparedness
• Disaster Fire Suppression
• Disaster Medical Operations/Triage
• Search and Rescue
• Disaster Medical Operations/Assessment
• Team Organization and Management
• Disaster Exercise

When and how will I be used?

During a major emergency, when the CERT is activated, there will be a variety of jobs to be done. Safety of yourself and family is first, then the surrounding homes in your neighborhood and perhaps elsewhere in the City depending on needs and emergency workers available. Emergency Fire or Police personnel may be unable to respond to your neighborhood due to overwhelming calls for assistance for up to 72 hours. CERT members will assist their neighbors and community doing first aid, searching damaged buildings, hazard controls and routine things like “keeping folks away from downed utility lines” until help from the utility arrives.

How do I sign up?

To sign up, complete the CERT form and you will be contacted by our CERT Training Committee.

What does it cost?

The fee of $50.00 per participant will be charged for materials and supplies to help offset the cost of the program.

What is the time commitment?

After the initial 22 hours of training, there will be a refresher class or drill each year to practice and maintain skills. And of course, during a major emergency, you will be involved.

How do I contact the Manhattan Beach CERT Association?