San Rafael CERT

The CERT concept was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1985. The Whittier Narrows earthquake in 1987 underscored the area-wide threat of a major disaster in California. Further, it confirmed the need for training civilians to meet their immediate needs.

CERT became a national program in 1993. There are now CERT programs in all 50 states, including many tribal nations and U.S. territories. Each is unique to its community and all are essential to building a Culture of Preparedness in the United States. There are more than 3,200 local CERT programs nationwide and more than 600,000 people have trained since CERT became a national program.

The CERT Basic Training is a comprehensive 20-hour course that combines classroom instruction with hands-on exercises. Training concludes with a final disaster simulation drill where you’ll apply all the skills you’ve learned in a realistic emergency scenario. The course covers:

Unit 1: Disaster Preparedness covers the types of disasters than can happen in Marin County and how to get ready for them.

Unit 2: CERT Organization  covers how to organize teams during an emergency, gather important information, and coordinate effective response efforts.

Unit 3: Disaster Medical Operations I covers how to treat life-threatening conditions like blocked airways, bleeding, and shock. Includes basic first aid for injuries like sprains and broken bones.

Unit 4:Disaster Medical Operations II expands on Unit 3 with injury assessment techniques and treatment for burns, bites, stings, and nosebleeds.

Unit 5: Disaster Psychology covers how to help survivors, responders, and yourself cope with extreme stress after a disaster.

Unit 6: Fie Safety and Utility Controls covers how to prevent fires, safely shut off utilities, and practice using a fire extinguisher.

Unit 7: Light Search and Rescue Operations offers hands-on training in safe search techniques and rescue operations using basic equipment.

Unit 8: CERT and Terrorism explains current terrorism trends and measures CERT volunteers can take to increase preparedness before and safety during a terrorism incident.

CERT members perform essential emergency support functions during disasters, including light search and rescue, basic medical treatment, fire suppression with extinguishers, and damage assessment. They also help establish communication networks, organize spontaneous volunteers, and provide critical information to professional responders. When not responding to emergencies, CERT members stay active through regular training sessions, community outreach, disaster drills, and preparedness education programs that strengthen our community’s ability to respond and recover.