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!
CERT FAQs
Q: How does CERT benefit the community?
A: People who take CERT training become more knowledgeable about potential hazards in their area and can take steps to help mitigate these hazards. CERT members can use their training to help their family, loved ones, neighbors, or coworkers until help arrives. When you become a CERT member, you join a group of trained individuals who can assist their communities in a disaster. CERTs can provide useful information to first responders and help with non-emergency projects in their communities.
Q: Why take CERT training?
A: In an emergency, first responders may not be able to reach you immediately. Taking CERT training gives you the knowledge and skills to help people.
Q: Who can take the training?
A: Naturals for the training are neighborhood watch, community organizations, faith-based organizations, school staff, workplace employees, scout organizations, and members of the community.
Q: Can you take CERT classes if you’re under 18?
A: Yes. Our minimum age to take CERT is 16 years old. If you’re under 18, we require a signed parent permission form to attend classes.
Q: What if I have concerns about my age of physical ability?
A: There are many jobs within CERT that aren’t physically demanding. After a disaster, CERT members may be needed for help with documentation, comforting others, signing in volunteers, etc. During training, if concerned about participating in a skill, just let the instructor know. You can still learn from watching.
CERT Class Info and Content Overview
Participants of the program will learn lifesaving skills, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number.
Please review the corresponding chapter in the CERT Participant Manual before each class so you will be familiar with the topic and ready with any questions you may have for the instructor.
The last class of the series will be a Skills Day. During this extended Saturday or Sunday class, students will get a chance to practice the individual skills they learned in class, with fellow members of the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department CERT who have qualified as an instructor for that skill. This is a very full and fun day, and includes your graduation ceremony and presentation of your membership credentials and CERT equipment backpack (for those who live in the cities SMCFD serves).
- All about CERT
- Earthquake type, magnitude, history and probability
- How to prepare before something happens.
CERT Organization / Disaster Psychology
- CERT Incident Command System
- Chain of Command
- CERT Activation
- CERT Documentation
- Disaster Psychology
- Taking care of yourself and your team
- Minor burns
- Applying splints to arms and legs
- Practicing Disaster Medical Skills
- Opening airways, stopping bleeding and controlling shock
- Medical Treatment Area
- Triage (START)
- Natural gas, water, and electrical controls: Why, When, and How to shut them off.
- Types of fire and when to use a fire extinguisher to put them out.
- Hazardous materials at home, work, and on the road.
- Classify damaged buildings
- Search and rescue
- Lifting heavy objects and mechanical advantage
Terrorism & CERT Communications
- Terrorism
- WMD
- Signs to look out for
- Active Shooter
- CERT assistance
- Use of radios
- Formatting your message
- Documentation
- Extinguishing fire
- Triaging and treating victims
- Extricating a victim trapped by heavy timbers
- Interior search for reported missing person
- Use of radio and messaging
- CERT Activation Procedures
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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The National CERT Association (NCA) website: NationalCert.org
Useful Links