CERTs are formed by members of a neighborhood or workplace who want to be better prepared for the hazards that threaten their communities.
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about diaster 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.
For more information, please visit: www.citizencorps.gov/cert/
For access to the County of Santa Cruz CERT information, please visit: www.santacruzcountycert.org
If you are interested in receiving the most current information on future training courses, please contact Mike DeMars, Public Information Officer, at (831) 479-6843.