CERT National

 

The Community Emergency Response Team concept was derived from a program

implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1985. Regional earthquakes and other

disasters confirmed the need for training civilians to meet their communities’ immediate needs.

Through the now national program, CERT trains volunteers in basic disaster response skills,

such as fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations. In turn, these local

volunteers assist their communities during emergencies as well as organized safety-focused

events.

Anyone who participates in a CERT course will benefit by being better prepared to respond

to and cope with the aftermath of a disaster. The training was made available nationally by the

Federal Emergency Management Agency in 1993.

For more information on the national program, click here.