Los Alamos Community Preparedness Team

The purpose of this LACPT program plan is to establish a structured approach for preparing local residents to assist with community outreach, preparedness initiatives, and, when requested, support during emergencies/disasters in a non-response role capacity. This plan aims to create a well-trained, diverse, and organized network of volunteers dedicated to enhancing local preparedness and resilience.

The LACPT is a non-emergency volunteer program focused on building a culture of preparedness in Los Alamos County. Unlike traditional Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programs centered on response, LACPT prioritizes education, community engagement, drills and exercises, and proactive readiness. LACPT members help increase public awareness of emergency preparedness, support local events, assist with logistics and controller roles during exercises, and serve in non-response roles during Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations.

1. Enhance community preparedness 
2. Develop a skilled and inclusive volunteer network
3. Foster community resilience and collaboration
4. Increase public awareness of emergency preparedness
5. Provide ongoing training and skill development opportunities

The LACPT program operates under the guidance of the Los Alamos County Office of Emergency Management (LAC OEM). The program trains and equips volunteers to support preparedness efforts and serve in support capacities during EOC activations.

LACPT is designed to be an auxiliary support team—not a first response unit—and operates within the scope defined by LAC OEM, ensuring clear leadership, coordination, and continuous training.

Team Organization

LACPT is structured to promote efficient coordination:

• LACPT Program Coordinator: A representative from LAC OEM responsible for LACPT program oversight, training, and coordination.
• LACPT Team Members: Trained volunteers who support community preparedness efforts and participate in educational outreach and drills.

Los Alamos County Office of Emergency Management

LAC OEM is the sponsoring agency for LACPT, providing oversight, training, and operational support. LAC OEM ensures LACPT operates within the adopted County Emergency Management plans and integrates with countywide preparedness efforts. Key responsibilities include:

• Managing LACPT program administration
• Providing training and resources for LACPT members
• Coordinating LACPT involvement in preparedness activities and limited EOC support
• Serving as the liaison between LACPT and local emergency response agencies

LACPT Program Coordinator

The LACPT Program Coordinator ensures the program’s operational success. Responsibilities include:

• Promoting the program and engaging with the community
• Coordinating volunteer activities and maintaining team structure
• Organizing training sessions and identifying additional skill development opportunities
• Managing logistics, supplies, and member communication
• Facilitating LACPT support during EOC activations (as requested), strictly in support roles

LACPT Team Member

LACPT Team Members are volunteers and are essential to program success. Their responsibilities include:

• Participating in training and exercises (controller/evaluator support)
• Assisting with inventory and program logistics
• Supporting community events and public education as needed
• Assisting with EOC support as requested

LACPT membership is open to Los Alamos and White Rock residents age 18 or older. Submission of the required forms does not guarantee membership. All prospective members will be reviewed and screened by the Los Alamos County Office of Emergency Management to ensure alignment with the program’s purpose, values, and safety requirements. This screening is intended to promote a safe, inclusive, and effective team—ensuring all members are able to participate within the LACPT program’s non-response support scope. LACPT members may also be contacted by the LAC OEM to assist with various volunteer assignments that align with their skills, interests, and availability. These opportunities may include supporting preparedness projects, staffing outreach events, or assisting with special initiatives across the County. Participation is always voluntary and based on team members’ willingness and capacity to help.

All prospective members must:

1. Complete a Membership Request Form and review and agree to the terms and conditions outlined in County’s Volunteer Policy
2. Review and sign the liability waiver
3. Submit the Membership Request Form to LACPreparednessTeam@losalamosnm.gov Docusign Envelope ID: D0DFE117-3E2A-4F0D-85DA-478A4AB103D7 
4. Submit the liability form to LACPreparednessTeam@losalamosnm.gov (Note: this form will be renewed on an annual basis).
5. Complete required prerequisite training, FEMA Independent Study courses
6. Receive notification on program acceptance or denial
7. Volunteer completes in person LACPT Basic Training

All selected volunteers must complete the required prerequisites (see Prerequisites section) prior to attending LACPT Basic Training.

It is important to clearly define what LACPT members are not authorized or trained to do. LACPT members:

• Are not first responders and do not self-deploy during emergencies
• Do not and are not authorized to operate emergency vehicles or engage in emergency medical care beyond basic first aid
• Are not authorized to enter hazardous or unsafe environments
• Do not and are not authorized to carry out law enforcement duties, emergency medical service duties, or firefighting operations
• Must always operate under the direction and supervision of the Los Alamos County Office of Emergency Management
• Are not authorized to perform any County department functions, including Public Works or Utilities tasks such as shutting off gas, electricity, or water systems

These boundaries ensure the safety of volunteers and the community, reduces liability, and establishes and maintains a clear support role within the County’s Emergency Management framework.

While most LACPT volunteers will not require a background check, the LACOEM may, at its sole discretion, request background checks for select volunteers (“enhanced roles”) based on role requirements, safety considerations, or the nature of volunteer duties. LACOEM recognizes the need to maintain a safe and trustworthy volunteer environment.

If background check findings reveal offenses that pose safety risks, violate County standards, or would reasonably erode community trust, LACOEM may remove or decline a volunteer for the entire LACPT program, not only sensitive-duty roles. LACOEM maintains full discretion to determine eligibility based on the best interests of public safety and County operations. 

Potential applicants will be asked on the membership request form whether they have ever been convicted of any sex offenses, crimes against children or vulnerable adults, violent felonies, felonies involving weapons, major fraud or trust-related offenses, or any felony within the past 10 years.

If a candidate answers “yes” to any of these questions—or if such information is revealed through a background check (if applicable)—they will not be accepted into the program.

LAC OEM has adopted the following LACPT qualifications consistent with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) position qualifications for LACPT members. All selected LACPT volunteers are required to complete the following online FEMA Independent Study Courses prior to their scheduled LACPT Basic Training:

1. IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System
2. IS-200: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
3. IS-315: CERT and the Incident Command System
4. IS-317: Introduction to Community Emergency Response Teams
5. IS-700: National Incident Management System, An Introduction
6. IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction

LACPT Basic Training will be coordinated by the LAC OEM LACPT Program Coordinator. The training is inspired by the FEMA CERT curriculum but has been customized to align with Los Alamos County’s specific program goals, priorities, and non-response focus. This in-person training covers six units, which all selected LACPT volunteers are required to complete after fulfilling their prerequisite course work.

• Unit 1: LACPT Organization Training – LAC OEM Instruction
• Unit 2: Disaster Preparation Training – LAC OEM Instruction
• Unit 3: Emergency Drills and Exercises – LAC OEM Instruction
• Unit 4: LAC Emergency Operations Center Overview – LAC OEM Instruction
• Unit 5: Basic First Aid – LAFD EMS Instruction
• Unit 6: Course Review, Final Exam – LAC OEM Instruction