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Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

Brisbane CERT continues the work of implementing platforms and systems to rebuild our program.  We are excited to get going on DOING activities which will be our focus to allow CERT Members to be ACTIVE in disaster preparation exercises and in service and support of the Brisbane Community.  Please feel free to reach out via CERT@brisbaneca.org.

 

WHAT IS A CERT? 

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. The organization's purpose is to provide a group of trained citizens to assist the City's implementation of its Emergency Operations Plan during a disaster, and to encourage emergency preparedness in the community. As a volunteer organization closely affiliated with the City of Brisbane, members may serve as a temporary resource to the city during emergency situations when professional responders are overwhelmed.

CERTs follow the FEMA-developed CERT curriculum which is an 8-module series of two-hour classes teaching CERT Organization, Disaster Preparedness, Fire Safety, Light Search and Rescue, Disaster Medical Operations, Disaster Psychology, Terrorism, and Brisbane specific Damage Assessment.

During a catastrophic emergency, the CERTs will walk their assigned residential routes and conduct damage assessment surveys acting as the "eyes and ears" of the City's Emergency Operations Center so that situation status updates and priority assignment of resources can be completed. Their training in utility shutoff, first aid, and light urban search and rescue will undoubtedly mitigate further property damage and significantly assist in the preservation of human life. CERTs are also trained in shelter operations, and are anticipated to have a significant role in the care of fellow citizens, whether that role be working in a shelter or assisting with the distribution of critical supplies.

During less catastrophic emergencies, CERTs can volunteer to assist with traffic control (especially in the case of fire-related evacuations), fill sandbags to control flooding during unusually heavy rain events, and a myriad of other activities.


HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Are you interested in joining CERT and learning essential training to help your neighbors and community in times of disaster? Become a part of a volunteer organization that works closely with the City of Brisbane to promote disaster preparedness. 

For a membership application and general information, please contact the City of Brisbane Office of Emergency Services at: CERT@brisbaneca.org.  


BROCHURES


California Governor's Office of Emergency Services Brochures:


San Mateo County Health Department Brochures:


PG&E Brochures:


North County Fire Authority Brochures:

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