FAQ

Q: What is CERT?

A: 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. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

Q: How does CERT benefit the community?

A: People who go through CERT training have a better understanding of the potential threats to their home, workplace and community and can take the right steps to lessen the effects of these hazards on themselves, their homes or workplace. If a disaster happens that overwhelms local response capability, CERT members can apply the training learned in the classroom and during exercises to give critical support to their family, loved ones, neighbors or associates in their immediate area until help arrives. When help does arrive, CERT provides useful information to responders and support their efforts, as directed, at the disaster site. CERT members can also assist with non-emergency projects that improve the safety of the community. CERT has been used to distribute and/or install smoke alarms, replace smoke alarm batteries in the home of elderly, distribute disaster education material, provide services at special events, such as parades, sporting events, concerts and more.

Q: Why take the CERT Training?

A: Local government prepares for everyday emergencies. However, there can be an emergency or disaster that can overwhelm the community’s immediate response capability. While adjacent jurisdictions, State and Federal resources can activate to help, there may be a delay for them getting to those who need them. The primary reason for CERT training is to give people the decision-making, organizational, and practical skills to offer immediate assistance to family members, neighbors, and associates while waiting for help. While people will respond to others in need without the training, the goal of the CERT program is to help people do so effectively and efficiently without placing themselves in unnecessary danger.  A success story about CERTs comes from events during the wildfires in Florida. The Edgewater CERT helped emergency management and the fire department personnel by assisting with evacuation, handling donations, preparing food for firefighters, and answering the phone while the professionals were fighting the fire. This is a great example of CERT members and response personnel working together for the benefit of the community.

Q: Who can take the CERT training?

A: All residents of the Cambria Area, who are of 18 years or older are eligible to participate in the CERT Training.  Residents of other areas are welcome to take the training and will be provided a completion certificate.  If they wish to join a CERT in another area, confirmation of their completion can be forwarded.

Q: What if I have concerns about my age or my physical ability?

A: During CERT classroom training, if one has a concern about doing a skill like lifting, just let the instructor know. You can learn from watching. We would like everyone who wants to go through the training to have an opportunity to participate and learn the skills. CERT educates participants about local hazards and trains them in skills that are useful during disaster and life’s everyday emergencies.

If you wish to become a CERT Responder, there are many jobs within a CERT for someone who wants to be involved and help. Following a disaster, CERT members are needed for a complete range of activities from direct response to documentation, comforting others, logistics, etc. Non-disaster related team activities may include keeping databases, developing a website, writing a newsletter, planning activities, helping with special events and organizing exercises and activities.

Q: How do I become CERT Trained?

You must complete a CERT Basic Training course to obtain a CERT Certificate.

WHY:  In the event of a large-scale disaster, the normal Emergency Response Agencies that serve you will be overwhelmed and they might not be able to assist you for up to 72 hours (it’s simply, a supply and demand issue).

WHO:  Sponsored by Cambria CCSD Fire Department.

WHAT:  CERT is a “hands-on” course that teaches individuals to be better prepared in the event of a major disaster. In the CERT training class you will learn about: how and when to turn off your utilities, basic firefighting skills, first aid medical skills, hazardous materials & terrorism awareness, light search and rescue techniques and, most importantly, you’ll learn SELF RELIANCE.

WHERE:  Cambria Fire Department, 2850 Burton Dr, Cambria, CA 93428. Phone# – (805) 927-6240

WHEN:  Six evening classes. The class dates are two evenings a week over a 3 week period.  Click HERE to see the dates for the next training class.

COST:  There is a $30 materials fee that provides you with a student manual and first aid supplies.

Since it’s not a matter of “if” but more a matter of “when,” join the over 1300 graduates county wide to better prepare yourself and your family.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS A MUST

To reserve your space, make your check payable to: CERT.  The check/cash may be left at a location provided at the Cambria Fire Department, 2850 Burton Dr, Cambria.  An email and/or telephone contact# is required.

If you have any questions call or visit the Cambria Fire Station, (805) 927-6240, 2850 Burton Dr, Cambria

You can also email questions to: CambriaCERT@gmail.com

Q:  How do I become a Cambria CERT Responder?

All CERT team Responders are required to complete the CERT Basic Training course.

During the CERT Basic Training you will be provided information regarding the role of CERT Responders. If you wish to join our Cambria CERT Responder organization, you will need to complete a registration form and you will be provided a CERT ID along with additional safety and communications equipment.  There is no additional charge for this registration or equipment.  After registration, additional recurring training will be made available to maintain your skills and prepare you for a CERT activation.  There is something for everyone to do as a CERT Responder in the Community.