Following a major disaster, fire and rescue resources may be unable to immediately respond to all those in need. In such a crisis, it will be neighbors assisting neighbors until emergency response personnel can arrive. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training provides residents with the skills and tools necessary to take care of themselves, their families, neighbors, and coworkers in the event of a disaster. LACoFD offers free, FEMA-approved 20-hour CERT training to the communities we serve. Classes are taught by trained emergency personnel, including firefighters and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel. Through this training, residents learn about hazards that may impact their area as well as basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Upon completion of the course, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.