Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

About CERT

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a basic program that provides residents with a basic training on what to do before, during and after a disaster. Most importantly, the training aids the participant in protecting themselves and their family during emergency situations. Trained CERT members may also participate in helping their community through organized municipal or county-level emergency management.

The Community Emergency Response Team concept started in 1985 in Los Angeles, California. The CERT program filled a vital gap where after a major disaster, such as an earthquake, professional emergency services could be significantly delayed. CERT allowed trained community members to help fellow neighbors. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) adopted the program in 1993 and gave CERT a national scope. Currently 28 states and Puerto Rico have a CERT program.

Bergen County Emergency Management piloted a CERT program for county employees, beginning in the spring of 2002. CERT training provides citizens with information on how to help prevent terrorism and other crimes. Additionally, the training helps you know how to react if something happens near you. CERT training is a great way to feel more empowered to protect yourself, your family, and potentially your community.

For more information, visit the Citizen Corps or the Bergen County Office of Emergency Management.

CERT Training Curriculum

  • CERT & Disaster Preparedness
  • Terrorism Preparedness
  • Disaster Fire Suppression
  • Hazardous Materials Awareness
  • Bloodborne Pathogens & Public Health
  • First Aid & CPR
  • Damage Assessment (post - disaster)
  • Protecting the Place
  • The Incident Command System
  • Gas & Electric Utility Emergency
  • Special needs of the elderly and physically challenged
  • Disaster Psychology