The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program was developed in California in the mid-80s as a way to train people to better prepare for emergency situations in their communities. Since then, it has become a national model for helping people respond to emergencies. When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that improve the safety of the community.

CERT training classes include disaster preparedness, disaster fire suppression, basic disaster medical operations, and light search and rescue operations. Over the next few years, California's CERT programs will train hundreds of new instructors and instructor-trainers, who will provide CERT training to several thousand Californians. During 2004, CaliforniaVolunteers has increased the number of CERT programs from 100 to more than 150. The program has trained more than 200 new instructors and California's CERT programs will provide training to more than 10,000 people.

Additional CERT Information:

To find or register a CERT program in your area please visit the National CERT site.

If you are interested in starting a new CERT program or learning the best ways to maintain your CERT program please visit our Resource Center.

If you’re interested in finding or posting a CERT training or event, please visit our Trainings & Events page.