The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the 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. CERT offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks.

CERT Classes Are FREE!

ABOUT CERT

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, using the model created by the Los Angeles City Fire Department, began promoting nationwide use of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) concept in 1994.  Since then, CERTs have been established in hundreds of communities. 

CERT BENEFITS

Emergencies occur in our communities, neighborhoods, and workplaces every day. We also know that a large-scale disaster (such as an earthquake or wildfires) will quickly overwhelm local professional responders. 

CERT training will provide you with the practical skills necessary to: 

• Safely assist family, neighbors, and associates while waiting for professional responders to arrive
• Become better prepared for disaster
• Support professional responders, as directed, once they arrive at the scene

CERT-trained citizens may also enjoy many opportunities to volunteer in their communities.  CERT members often help with neighborhood fire prevention or emergency preparedness efforts and may provide services at special community events, such as parades, sporting events, concerts and more. 

TUOLUMNE COUNTY CERT PROGRAMS

Sign-up for a Basic CERT Training Course

Class begin soon!

There are five FEMA/Cal OES official programs within the county. Listed in order below based on oldest to newest groups (Click on any area to email for more information):

• Tuolumne Me-Wuk Tribal CERT – 2012
• Twain Harte Area CERT – 2014 
• Groveland CERT – 2020 
• Columbia Area CERT – 2020 
• Tuolumne County CERT – 2021

The 20-hour Basic CERT Training Course covers:

• Disaster Preparedness
• Fire Safety
• Disaster Medical Operations–Triage and Treating Life Threatening Injuries
• Disaster Medical Operations-Assessment, Treatment, and Hygiene
• Light Search and Rescue
• Team Organization
• Disaster Psychology
• Terrorism and CERT
• Course Review and Disaster Simulation

For more information on upcoming trainings in Fall 2022, please contact Tuolumne County Office of Emergency Services (OES) at OES@co.tuolumne.ca.us. You can also follow OES on Facebook by clicking HERE.