Residents of El Monte and South El Monte have an opportunity to prepare for disasters through the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. This free, FEMA-approved course equips participants with practical skills to help themselves, their families, and their neighbors during emergencies.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) offers a 20-hour CERT Basic Training course in El Monte. Taught by firefighters and emergency medical personnel, the course covers fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. These skills are designed for use in the critical minutes or hours before professional responders arrive.
Hands-On, Local Training Opportunities
The next CERT Basic Training in El Monte begins August 18 at 6 p.m. at a local facility. LACoFD instructors guide participants through realistic, hands-on exercises that simulate fire suppression, victim extraction, and triage. By the end of the program, graduates are equipped to work safely as part of an organized response team.
In South El Monte, the city partners with El Monte and the American Red Cross through the Prepare El Monte/South El Monte coalition. This initiative promotes community preparedness by offering CPR and first aid training, fire and earthquake safety workshops, and up-to-date information on local hazards. Residents can gain both the knowledge and the confidence to take decisive action when needed.
Benefits for Residents
CERT graduates learn more than technical skills—they develop the ability to stay calm under pressure, communicate clearly, and work effectively in teams. These capabilities not only help in large-scale disasters but also during everyday incidents such as medical emergencies, small fires, or localized power outages.
The training fosters a stronger, more connected community. When more residents know how to respond, neighborhoods recover faster and reduce the strain on emergency services. Participants often go on to volunteer in community events, assist during public safety drills, and serve as valuable resources for their neighbors.
How to Get Involved
CERT training is open to residents of all backgrounds, and no prior experience is necessary. Interested individuals can register for upcoming classes and learn more about the program through the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s CERT page at fire.lacounty.gov/community-emergency-response-team.
With disasters unpredictable and resources often stretched thin, taking the time to complete CERT training is an investment in personal safety and community resilience. For El Monte and South El Monte residents, it is a step toward building a safer, stronger place to live.
