The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

WHAT IS A CERT? A CERT is a group of responsible, trained individuals who have come together to form a skilled group of Disaster Service Workers. The CERT Program can be used in neighborhoods, businesses, and schools. The CERT members realize that in the event of a major disaster they will have to rely on their neighbors and themselves to handle emergencies until professional help arrives.

THE PURPOSE:  The Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, Program is designed to prepare you to help yourself, your family, and your neighbors in the event of a catastrophic disaster. Because emergency services personnel will not be able to help everyone immediately, you can make a difference by using CERT training to save lives and protect property.

THE PROGRAM: CERT is a nationally recognized FEMA training program designed to improve community preparedness in the event of a disaster

THE INSTRUCTION: The 24 hour course covers topics such as Introduction to Disaster Preparedness, First Aid and CPR, Light Search and Rescue, Fire Suppression, and Disaster Psychology

Residents that complete the entire CERT Training Program are certified Disaster Service Workers, ready to help their neighborhoods in the even of a disaster

ARE YOU PREPARED? Recent California history has shown the need for neighborhoods, schools, & businesses to rely on themselves for a minimum of 3 days to 2 weeks following a major earthquake.