Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program 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, and disaster medical operations. CERT offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks. Trained individuals may be able to become CERT team members by demonstrating proficiency in selected topics, and learning new material which is campus specific. The training is approximately 20 hours spread over multiple sessions.
Topics include:
- Disaster Preparation
- CERT Organization
- Disaster Medical Operations
- Disaster Psychology
- Fire Safety & Utility Controls
- Light Search & Rescue
- Terrorism and CERT
By the end of the training, CERT team members will be able to improve their emergency preparedness at home, in their communities and here on campus. This program gives you information on what to plan for, how to make your home and work space safer and what you should have on hand. After an earthquake or other community–wide disaster or emergency, many people want to respond and help. This program trains you in some simple actions that you and other team members can take to assist the professional responders who may be overwhelmed and need your help.
Training is provided by UCI Emergency Management at no cost to participants.
As a CERT member, you will:
- Receive a certificate of completion
- Get a CERT emergency backpack
- Be invited to participate in campus CERT exercises
- Be invited to the Annual Zone Crew/CERT Meeting