In which year did the Los Angeles Fire Department develop the Community Emergency Response Team concept?

The Los Angeles Fire Department developed the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) concept in 1985. This initiative was implemented to educate and train citizens in emergency preparedness and basic disaster response skills. The CERT program aims to enhance the safety and resilience of communities by empowering residents to assist themselves and each other before professional emergency services can arrive during a disaster.

The development of the CERT program aligns with the growing recognition of the role that community involvement plays in emergency management. By providing training in areas such as fire safety, light search and rescue, and first aid, the program helps to build a well-informed public that can effectively respond to emergencies, which is particularly crucial in large urban areas like Los Angeles.