About Us
What is the Manhattan Beach Community Emergency Response Team (MBCERT)?
MBCERT is a 501(c)(3) non profit all volunteer organization. The organization is comprised of Manhattan Beach community members who completed the CERT training program, originally developed by FEMA. This program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
During a disaster MBCERT members can assist others in their neighborhood, community, or workplace following a major event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members are encouraged to support their local emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in our community.
Mission Statement
The Manhattan Beach Community Emergency Response Team Association (MBCERTA) is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to enhance disaster preparedness and emergency response for the citizens of Manhattan Beach. We accomplish this through participation in community awareness events, various training programs, and drills and providing volunteer support to the Manhattan Beach Fire and Police Departments when a disaster strikes or upon activation by the Manhattan Beach Fire or Police Departments in the event of an emergency.
When and how I will apply my emergency preparedness skills?
During a disaster or catastrophic event, CERT will be needed to support the community. Safety should be prioritized of self, family, immediate neighborhood, and then the larger community. Depending on circumstances, Fire and Police department teams may be unable to immediately respond to your neighborhood due to overwhelming calls for assistance for up to 72 hours. CERT will then be needed to assist their neighbors and community doing first aid, searching damaged buildings, hazard controls and routine things like “keeping folks away from downed utility lines” until help from the utility arrives.
How do I join MBCERT?
Membership in the Association shall be open to residents of the City of Manhattan Beach or Persons that work in the City of Manhattan Beach who are at least 18 years of age and:
a) Complete either:
i. A Manhattan Beach CERT Training course or,
ii. A U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (IS-317) Course and another jurisdiction's CERT Training course.
b) Take the Oath administered by the City of Manhattan Beach representative. All members will be registered as Disaster Service Workers with the Governor's Office of Emergency Services by the MBFD.
Lastly, fill out the form found in the Contact Us section. For the subject, please state the event/training class you wish to participate in. You will then be contacted by our CERT Training Committee.
What is the minimum time requirement?
After completion of training, we offer yearly refresher courses and drill to practice and maintain your skills. You will apply these skills in the case of an disaster or catastrophic event.
How do I contact the Manhattan Beach CERT Association?
By email: info@mbcerta.org
Drop Box#1
400 15th Street
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266