Frequently Asked Questions

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is an all-risk, all-hazard training. This valuable course is designed to help you protect yourself, your family, your neighbors and your neighborhood in an emergency situation.

CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens may initially be on their own and their actions can make a difference. While people will respond to others in need without the training, one goal of the CERT program is to help them do so effectively and efficiently without placing themselves in unnecessary danger.

Well, it’s like paying for car insurance. You might never need either; you’d hope not to. But if the occasion arises, having the CERT Basic Training, just like having car insurance, means you’re as ready as you can be to help yourself, your family and your neighborhood. You know more than the average citizen does and are more prepared and equipped when disaster strikes the City. Plus, the CERT Basic Training Course is FREE!

Malibu CERT is comprised of dedicated local volunteers who have not only graduated from a CERT Basic Training Course, but also have completed the additional team requirements, including additional training from FEMA and various agencies, shown dedication and commitment to the Team by meeting or exceeding the hour requirement for the team, and has registered with the City as a Volunteer Disaster Service Worker (DSW).

After passing all qualifications, the individual is will undergo a background check, fingerprinting, an administered the Oath of a Disaster Service Worker (DSW). Once completed, the individual is allowed to wear the Malibu CERT Uniform and a City-issued ID Name Badge, and can participate in CERT Deployments. CERT members will not self-dispatch to any incident.

To learn more on how to join, please visit https://www.malibucity.org/1206/Malibu-CERT, or contact the Public Safety Department at PublicSafety@malibucity.org.