Code of Conduct
Download the LAFD CERT Code of Conduct
The LAFD CERT program is the most active and respected CERT program in the nation. This
has been achieved due to the dedication and commitment of our members, who continually
strive to be a resource to the Los Angeles communities.
You represent the CERT program to new members, to the public, and to those to whom we
render our services. It is important to portray a positive image.
ALL VIOLATIONS WILL BE THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED. DURING THE INVESTIGATION
PROCESS, INVOLVED MEMBERS WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED FROM ALL CERT
ACTIVITIES, PENDING THE OUTCOME OF THE INVESTIGATION. SAID MEMBERS WILL BE
NOTIFIED AS TO THEIR STATUS WITH THE CERT PROGRAM BY THE CERT COMMANDER.
PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, COUNSELING, WRITTEN
NOTICE AND RESTRICTION OF INVOLVEMENT WITH THE LAFD CERT PROGRAM TO CERT
COMMUNITY MEETINGS, QUARTERLY DIVISION TRAININGS AND REFRESHERS.
As a volunteer with the LAFD CERT program, you are expected to comply with the following:
- Dial 911 for all emergencies, first.
- Know you are not a Firefighter. You are trained to function as an extension of the fire
department's response to CATASTROPHIC disasters, when such circumstances exist or
when directed by emergency services officials.
- When disaster occurs, your first responsibility is to ensure your own safety and the
safety of your family.
- After, you can respond to your Battalion Headquarters to join with other CERT
members.
- You shall not respond to any large incidents.
- When disaster occurs, your first responsibility is to ensure your own safety and the
safety of your family.
- Do not self-deploy to local events (fires, accidents, etc). Only the CERT Call-Out Teams that are requested by the LAFD may respond. LAFD ALERT Messages (email, Twitter, radio
etc.) are not official instructions or authorization to take action.
- Stay within the scope of your training. You have been trained under the curriculum of
FEMA's Community Emergency Response Team program. Confine your actions to those
guidelines and stay within the scope of your training and certification.
- Bring or wear your personal safety equipment: helmet (no baseball hats), vest, dust mask,
goggles, gloves (rubber/latex and leather), sturdy shoes, long pants, flashlight (with extra
batteries), bottled water, non-perishable food, and a set of the CERT forms. Bring any
other items you feel appropriate. Absolutely no shorts, sandals or open-toed shoes are
allowed!!
- Confine your actions to your physical and resource limitations when responding as a
member of CERT. Such limitations may be determined by, but not limited to, equipment
available, physical abilities, knowledge, authority and hazards.
- Conduct yourself with professionalism, dignity and pride, and act appropriately and
responsibly at all times while assisting others.
- Treat fellow team members, visitors, other volunteer program participants, guests, and
property with respect and courtesy.
- Be sensitive to the diversity of team members and those we assist.
- Direct anyone who is looking for official statements from LAFD CERT to the LAFD CERT
Commander at 818-756-9674.
- Respect the privacy of persons served by LAFD CERT and hold, in confidence, all sensitive,
private, and personal information.
- Keep LAFD CERT leadership informed of any progress, concerns, or problems with tasks
which you have been assigned.
- Partake of no alcohol while responding as CERT and do not report for duty while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
- You are forbidden to carry guns, knives, sticks or other weapons (You can have multipurpose
tools, pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.). You have been trained for immediate
disaster response and there is no need, place or legal authorization for you to carry or use
any of the above. To do so will jeopardize your own safety and the continued existence of
the CERT program in Los Angeles.
- You shall not authorize the use of, or use for the benefit or advantage of any person, the
name, emblem, endorsement, services or property of the LAFD CERT program, without the
approval of the LAFD CERT Commander.
- You shall not accept, or seek on behalf of any other person, any money or gifts offered as a
result of your affiliation with the LAFD CERT program.
- You shall not use your participation in CERT to promote any partisan politics, religious
matters or positions on any issue.
- You shall avoid inappropriate conduct, both on- and off-duty, that would jeopardize
program effectiveness. Such behavior includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Offensive or profane language or gestures
- Public criticism of a CERT team member, its leaders or the CERT program
- Jeopardizing another team member's safety.
- Offensive or profane language or gestures
LAFD CERT is committed to a policy of fair representation and will not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, disability, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, geography, or group affiliations. Volunteers will adhere to these same standards in the course of their duties.
