What Is CERT?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency began promoting nationwide use of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) concept in 1994 from the model created by the Los Angeles City Fire Department. Since then, hundreds of CERT programs have been established in communities across the country. The purpose of CERT is to train people living in the community to take care of themselves, their families and their neighbors in the event of a disaster.

Why Do We Need CERT?

After several large scale disasters like 9/11 and the Loma Prieta earthquake, there was a realization that not all emergency services personnel will be able to reach everyone right away. By attending CERT training classes, you will learn the skills to help save lives and protect property.

How Does CERT help in the Community?

Once a disaster strikes, CERT team members are encouraged to check on their own families and home first. CERT members then assemble at a pre-designated area and break up into teams. These teams fan out into the neighborhood and look for people to rescue and treat, fires to put out and utilities to shutoff. CERT team members work in teams of 3, as safety is the most important issue when working in a disaster zone. Team members are taught to not enter collapsed buildings or other dangerous environments.

CERT Training

CERT members are taught by Foster City Fire Department personnel in basic fire suppression, utility control, light search and rescue and disaster medical. Other topics include disaster psychology and disaster incident management. The training involves five evening sessions and one Saturday session for a total of 22 hours. This training consists of interactive training, lectures and concludes with a hands on training exercise.

Who Can Be A CERT Member?

Foster City residents who are at least 16 years of age or older can participate. No matter where you live, no matter who you are, we can all have a role in disaster preparedness.

All classes will be held on Wednesdays at the Foster City Fire Department, 1040 E. Hillsdale Blvd., from 6:30 to 9:00PM, except for Skills Development & Application, which will be held on Saturdays from 8:00am to 12:15pm.

Click here to download a 2010 CERT flyer