Learn How to Prepare for Wildfires and Other Disasters with the City of Malibu’s Next CERT Training Course Starting MAY 6, in-person at city hall
As part of Malibu’s commitment to enhancing community-wide disaster preparedness, the City is once again offering its popular Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. This free program equips residents with essential emergency skills to respond effectively to wildfires, earthquakes, and other disasters.
The six-session course takes place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, May 6 through May 22, with a final CERT Class and Drill on May 24, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Malibu City Hall (23825 Stuart Ranch Road).
Malibu is vulnerable to wildfires, earthquakes, winter storms, and other natural disasters, so it is crucial for every person, household, business and organization to have a plan and be prepared. That can mean the difference between life and death. Residents who complete CERT training will be better equipped to help their families and neighbors in a crisis, making our entire community more resilient.
CERT is a highly-acclaimed, nationally recognized program that empowers community members to assist in emergency situations before first responders arrive. Participants learn basic first aid, fire suppression, and search and rescue techniques. Research on disasters such as major earthquakes in Italy and Japan has shown that up to 90% of people rescued from collapsed buildings were saved by fellow residents already on-site before emergency crews could arrive.
In 2024, Malibu's CERT Team devoted nearly 2,000 hours to training and preparedness, along with 1,500 hours of vital support during and after the Palisades Fire, and they continue to dedicate hours every week to the PCH entry pass distribution. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they supported the City’s drive-through vaccination clinics. During the Woolsey Fire, contributed 300 hours of service by distributing food and medical supplies, checking on residents, assisting with evacuations, and administering first aid.
The City Council formally integrated CERT into its Emergency Operations Plan by adopting official CERT Program Guidelines in 2017. Beyond the basic training course, Malibu CERT Team members must complete additional FEMA coursework, volunteer at least 30 hours per year, attend regular meetings and drills, and register as Disaster Service Workers.
For details or to register, visit the CERT webpage or contact Administrative Assistant Noah Tyler Tabbay at 310-456-2489, ext. 319, or PublicSafety@malibucity.org.