The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for 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. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. The CERT Program is a dynamic community of volunteers who want to help their neighbors!
Safety Tip:
BE SEEN!
Visibility – can drivers see you? When you’re out for a walk, or going to your car in a parking lot … are you visible from the side, from behind, etc. It gets darker earlier, and drivers have a hard time seeing you, even in a cross walk.
Do you walk your dog, or go for a bike ride after work? Be sure you have several points of visibility. Make it easy for drivers to see you, your bike, your dog, your shoes, etc.
Are you prepared for a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)?
From time to time, during high winds and dry conditions (yes, even far away from us), PG&E may determine the need to shut-off power to prevent a potential spark and fire. These power shutoffs can affect us along the Peninsula. Are you prepared to be without electricity for several days? Do you have back up power for your devices? Do you have a back-up battery for your medical devices? Do you have an arrangement with a friend or family member who lives a few miles away to re-charge your devices during the day when your power is out (and vice versa)? For information on preparing for power outages or a PSPS, check out: Prepare for a PSPS
Additional resources:
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San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department’s CERT Standards and Operating Procedures
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Disaster Prep Calendar (thank you Collier County E.M.)
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The National CERT Association (NCA) website: NationalCert.org
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