FAQ

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Table of Contents
bullet What is a CERT Member
bullet Who may join a CERT?
bullet What are the age requirements?
bullet What does it cost?
bullet Who would benefit from CERT training?
bullet How long has CERT been around?



 

What is a CERT Member
A CERT member is a person who is trained to prepare for and respond after a disaster in their neighborhood. A group of ten or more members of a neighborhood, apartment complex, business, or similar residential area comprises a team. Persons not affiliated with a team may serve as individuals.
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Who may join a CERT?
Anyone who is interested in helping his or her neighborhood prepare for a disaster and provide assistance afterward. Team training is preferred, however persons may be trained even if they are not affiliated with a team.


 

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What are the age requirements?
At this time we are unable to accept anyone younger than 18, but we plan to include High School-aged team members in the future.


 

There is no upper age limit.


 

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What does it cost?
The training is free. During the training, the student will learn how to build a disaster preparedness kit. There will some expenses for the preparedness materials.
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Who would benefit from CERT training?
Anyone, however, the following should consider forming local teams:
 


 

bulletCommunity Groups - Homeowners' associations, neighborhood watch groups, religious groups and similar organizations geographically distributed within a small area.

 
bulletBusiness and Industry - Possible locations include office buildings, hotels, industrial complexes, and nursing / rest homes.

 
bulletSchools - PTSA organizations and faculty groups.

 
bulletLocal Government - local government employees who are trained in CERT procedures can help local government agencies continue to provide needed services to citizens during an emergency
 

 
How long has CERT been around?
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) concept was developed and implemented by the City of Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) in 1985.

In 1994, the Emergency Management Institute (EMI), in cooperation with the LAFD, expanded the CERT materials to make them applicable to all hazards.

In 2003, President Bush asked all Americans to volunteer in the service of their country. CERT was selected as one of the primary programs offered to the American public to meet this challenge.


 
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