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	Los Angeles Fire Departments CERT Training Stacy Gerlich, Los Angeles City Fire Department Since 1987, the Los Angeles Fire Department’s Disaster Preparedness Unit has been teaching community groups, business organizations and government agencies, how to prepare for the event of a disaster. The CERT program offers its participants the opportunity of learning lifesaving techniques to aid them in the event of a natural disaster. The participants endure 17 ½ hours of training and given the chance to practice the skills during each class session.
The program consists of 7 weeks of instruction, each meeting time is for 2 ½ hours. This is done at their location, on day each week. They have the option of which day they would like the training to be held, Monday-Friday. The classes are as follows: Week 1- Introduction to Disasters Week 2- Fire Suppression/Hazardous Materials Week 3- Medical Triage Week 4- Bandaging and Splinting, Head-to-Toe evaluation Week 5- Search and Rescue Week 6- Incident Command/Disaster Psychology Week 7- Disaster Simulation
The training is given free of charge within the City of Los Angeles. There are approximately 28,000 people trained through this program to date. We train close to 1200 people every year. This is invaluable training that only enhances the positive outcome of an unforeseen disaster. To help the participants maintain their skills and knowledge, there are two refresher classes’ help during the year. One is in April and the other in October. These exercises bring 150-200 participants. They spend a day working and honing the skills they have acquired through the initial training.
This is a wonderful program that truly strengthens the individual’s ability to survive a disaster. They not only can aid their own families but they can assist the Fire Department in saving the lives of many others. Don’t hesitate to sign up for this incredible training. It is FREE of charge and it will definitely lessen the level of anxiety that is often associated with the fear of the unknown. Call today to schedule your class. We need only a commitment of 25 participants to hold the class for you. Contact the Los Angeles Fire Departments Disaster Preparedness Unit at 818 756-9674 and ask for Firefighter Gerlich or a CERT instructor. We are looking forward to meeting you and teaching you this incredible program.

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