Fall 2024 CERT Training

Throughout California, we have seen the catastrophic devastation that often occurs from large-scale natural and human-induced disasters. The immediate confusion and destruction that typically arise from these events initially overwhelm the local first responders. Still, the shining light in these incidents is the many volunteers arriving to help their neighbors and community. When large-scale emergencies occur throughout the nation, we often find that the non-traditional first responders are neighbors helping neighbors; therefore, it is the mission of the City of Placentia to provide consistent training and resources to the members of our community to ensure that in an emergency, our neighborhoods and communities can quickly recover from a disaster. In Emergency Management, many officials term this act of kindness and self-sustainability as the Whole Community Approach to disasters. In Placentia, we believe the Whole Community Approach is critical to our city's resilience.

To ensure that our residents are ready for a large-scale emergency, the City offers CERT training to develop a city-wide group of volunteers trained and willing to respond to large-scale emergencies in their neighborhoods throughout Placentia and Orange County. Trained members of CERT often assist their neighbors and communities in many ways, and each person truly provides invaluable support during large events and emergencies. To sustain and increase our level of preparedness, free CERT courses are offered several times a year. The CERT course provides training in fire suppression, terrorism, search and rescue, disaster medical operations, and disaster psychology. Upon completing the CERT training, each participant is given the option and resources to further their training to serve their neighbors and neighborhoods. Fall 2024 CERT training courses are planned for Wednesday nights in September and October. Tentatively, September 11th, 18th, 25th and October 2nd, and 9th. To sign up for the Fall 2024 CERT course, contact (714) 993-8214 or email [email protected].