Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)

CERT

In a catastrophic disaster, first responders will likely be overwhelmed in the first hours and even days following a catastrophic disaster. CERT-trained professional volunteers learn important skills to safely care for themselves, their families and their community until first responders arrive

CERT Fact Sheet

Training

The 20-hour FEMA curriculum educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization using Incident Command System (ICS) concepts, disaster medical operations, disaster psychology and terrorism. The course culminates with a disaster simulation to afford participants the opportunity to practice what they’ve learned.

While thousands throughout San Bernardino County have received the free training, many decide to become credentialed volunteers under County OES. These members are located in many communities throughout the county and are identified by their County OES identification card. These credentialed members have cleared both DOJ and FBI background checks, completed additional ICS training and are registered as Disaster Service Workers with the State of California.

CERT Leadership

Our CERT teams, organized under the supervision of a local volunteer who acts as the CERT Volunteer Coordinator receive ongoing training throughout the year to hone existing skills and learn new ones. San Bernardino County first responders have been an integral part of the success of the program and have provided outstanding initial and ongoing training. County OES CERT members meet regularly in their community and participate in many events around their local community and the county.

Joining CERT

Come join our dedicated professional volunteers and become part of a team dedicated to serving our communities county wide!

For more information on CERT, email vssoes@oes.sbcounty.gov.