Following a major disaster, first responders who provide fire and medical services will not be able to meet the demand of 911 or these services.  Factors as numbers of victims, communication failures and road blockage will prevent people from accessing emergency services from they have come to expect at a moment's notice through 911.  People will have to rely on each other for help in order to meet their immediate life saving and life sustaining needs.

One also expects that under these kind of conditions, family members, fellow employees and neighbors will spontaneously try to help each other.  This was the case following the Mexico City earthquake where untrained, spontaneous volunteers saved 800 people.  However 100 people lost their lives while attempting to save others.  This is a high price to pay and is preventable through training.

The Community Emergency Response Team concept was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1985.  The Whittier Narrows earthquake in 1987 underscored the area wide threat of a major disaster in California.  Further, it confirmed the need for training civilians to meet their immediate needs.  As a result, the LAFD created the Disaster Preparedness Division with the purpose of training citizens and private and government employees.

The Training program that LAFD initiated makes good sense and furthers the process of citizens understanding their responsibility in preparing for disaster.  It also increases their ability to safely help themselves, their family and their neighbors.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recognizes the importance of preparing citizens.  The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) and the National Fire Academy adopted and expanded the CERT materials believing them applicable to all hazards.

The CERT course will benefit anyone who takes it.  The individual will be better prepared to respond to and cope with the aftermath of a disaster.