Community Education

Training Programs

  • Alhambra Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) - Based on FEMA's CERT program, the Alhambra Fire Department offers members of the Alhambra community 21 hours of training in emergency preparedness. Topics include Utility Control, Search and Rescue, Fire Suppression, First Aid, Haz-Mat Recognition, Terrorism and Disaster Psychology. For more information, contact CERT at 626-588-2378.
  • Paramedic Continuing Education - The Alhambra Fire Department provides in-house continuing education for EMTs and paramedics for Alhambra Fire Department members. The educational objectives are formulated by analyzing data, retrospective review of actual calls, patient outcomes after discharge from the hospital, and in field observation of assessment and treatment skills. A certified EMS nurse operates the program and monitors all aspects of the continuous quality management process. The quality of the program has enabled the department to qualify for and secure a State provider number for continuing education in this area. For more information, call 626-308-4855.

Community Programs

  • Fire Explorer Program - This program, associated with the Boy Scouts of America, is geared for young men and women in the community who are 15 years of age or older. It provides opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills and work alongside career firefighters, paramedics, and fire prevention officers, assisting them with public education activities. Explorers typically volunteer their time on Saturdays, training and assisting with special assignments, such as open houses and community events. The program offers successful participants an opportunity for scholarships and/or sponsorship into local fire academies. For information, call 626-570-3270, ext. 7056.
  • Fire Cadet Program - Designed as the second step toward a fire service career, this program is open to graduates of fire academies. After one year of volunteer service, the Cadet can earn a State Firefighter I Certification. Cadets perform routine tasks including maintenance, fire prevention work, training, and may assist firefighters in suppression work and emergency medical situations. For information about this program, call 626-570-3270, ext. 5144.
  • Fire Safety House - A 30-foot mobile trailer is used to demonstrate to children a simulated, fire-like condition, in a controlled home environment. The trailer is equipped with a nontoxic smoke system, heated door, 9-1-1 emergency phone system, fully-equipped kitchen, bedroom, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and an emergency ladder extended from the window are all practice escape techniques, to lend realism to the safety lessons offered. The mobile classroom is available during special events, as scheduling permits.
  • Fire Safety Presentations - Free presentations are available to pre-schools, elementary schools, medical facilities, elderly care facilities, service club meetings, career day fairs, special school events, fire drills, and some carnivals and fairs, and other events. The department's mascot, "Sparky the Fire Dog" (a furry, six-foot Dalmatian costume worn by one of our personnel) is available for children's events. Fire inspectors also conduct hands-on classes in the use of portable fire extinguishers, enabling participants to extinguish a live fire. These presentations must be arranged by calling the Administrative office at 626-570-5190.
  • Fire Station Tours - Free tours can be arranged by calling 626-570-5190. The caller will be referred to the appropriate station captain to set up a date and time. Coloring books or other items are provided to children touring the station, as supplies are available.
  • Safe Haven Program - The State of California "Safe Haven" Law (or "Safe Surrender" Law) allows a person to legally and anonymously surrender a newborn child (72 hours of age or younger) to a designated official without fear of criminal prosecution. All Los Angeles County Fire Department stations are Safe Haven surrender sites, including all four Alhambra Fire Department stations. Persons who surrender a child will be given a medical questionnaire to assist medical personnel in the treatment of the infant in case a medical condition is discovered or develops at a later time. After the infant is assessed for medical needs at a local hospital, the infant will be transferred to the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). For information about the Safe Haven Program, call toll-free 877-BABY-SAFE or 877-222-9723, or visit the Los Angeles County Safe Surrender Program website.

Alhambra Fire Department "Fire Safety House"

Please Contact: 626-570-5193

  • The Alhambra Fire Department's Community Fire Safety House is a 30-foot mobile, self-contained trailer that serves as an educational tool, to teach kids and adults alike about fire and safety hazards that are common to residential dwellings. The trailer is completely equipped with heat, air conditioning, running water, electricity and a stove and microwave.
  • The trailer has a smoke simulator and piping distribution system that will fill the trailer with theatrical smoke, and simulate real fire conditions. It also has smoke detectors, a child-friendly 9-1-1 telephone, a bedroom door that heats to the touch, and designated escape components for practiced evacuations.
  • The Safety House has been featured at many local schools and adult training events, and has been greatly received. Acquisition of the trailer was made possible with the help of Rotary International, The California School of Driving, the Agere/Lucent Technologies Corporation, and by many private business and citizen donations.

Test Smoke Alarms

"Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month" is one of the most important reminders you will receive this (or any) year.

According to National Fire Protection Association research, working smoke alarms decreases the chance of dying in a fire "in half!" They further report that almost two-thirds of home fire deaths occurred in homes with no smoke alarms or non- working smoke alarms.

Alhambra Fire Department officials report that roughly half of home fire deaths, result from fires reported at night, between 11 pm and 7 am, when most people are asleep. Home smoke alarms can alert people to a fire before it spreads, giving everyone enough time to get out.  Occupants in a non-fire sprinklered home have 1-2 minutes to safely escape during a fire.

You can learn more about smoke alarms by visiting the National Fire Protection Association website.

Take action by implementing the following suggestions:

  • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement
  • Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. This way, when one sounds, they all do
  • Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button
  • Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or sooner if they don't respond properly
  • Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound of the smoke alarm and understands what to do when they hear it

Fire Safety Educational Material