Citizen Emergency Response Teams (CERT) are groups of trained volunteers who assist emergency services during disasters or emergencies. The program was founded in 1985 by the Los Angeles City Fire Department, in response to the earthquake that struck Mexico City in 1985. The program has since been adopted by many other cities and communities across the United States.
The CERT program aims to provide basic training in disaster response skills to community members, empowering them to take an active role in their community’s preparedness and response efforts. CERT members receive training in areas such as disaster medical operations, fire safety, light search and rescue, and team organization. By building a strong network of trained volunteers, CERTs can enhance the effectiveness of emergency services and improve the community’s ability to respond to disasters.
CERT programs are typically run by local emergency management agencies or fire departments, and are open to community members who are interested in volunteering. Training courses are usually offered over a period of several weeks, and cover both classroom instruction and hands-on exercises. CERT members are also encouraged to participate in regular refresher courses to keep their skills up-to-date.
One of the benefits of CERT programs is that they can provide a way for community members to take an active role in their own safety and the safety of their neighbors. In the aftermath of a disaster, CERT members can quickly mobilize to provide assistance to those in need, even before emergency services arrive. Additionally, CERT programs can help to build stronger, more resilient communities by fostering a sense of unity and teamwork among volunteers.
Overall, the CERT program is an important component of emergency preparedness and response efforts in many communities. By providing basic training in disaster response skills to community members, CERT programs can help to enhance the effectiveness of emergency services and improve the community’s ability to respond to disasters. If you are interested in becoming involved in a CERT program in your community, contact your local emergency management agency or fire department for more information.
Yod Training Group’s founders include a certified CERT Basic Instructor and CERT Program Manager. Our Family Emergency Readiness curriculum was inspired heavily by the CERT Basic program with a focus on preparing our students and their families or households for unexpected emergencies that impact them. Being firm believers in the CERT program and its motto of “Do the most good for the greatest number”, we strongly encourage you to consider volunteering and training with your local CERT team. If you are in mid-Michigan we might even be able to help you find your local team or invite you to join ours.
If committing to CERT doesn’t fit your schedule or you are active with CERT but want training on applying emergency response concepts to your household, please consider our Family Emergency Readiness course.