How to Join the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a community based group of volunteers that have completed a federally recognized training course taught by local Public Safety Personnel and First Responders.

CERT training is a comprehensive multi-day training that details ways to assist family, friends, neighbors, and your community in small or large scale disasters.

The training is free and open to anyone over the age of 18, that lives or works in Santa Monica. Teenagers 14 to 17 years old may participate with the consent of a parent or guardian who is enrolled in the same course.

CERT certification is contingent upon completing the full, multi-day training course. If you would like to continue with CERT and be listed as an official Santa Monica CERT volunteer you will need to pass an additional background check. CERT members from other jurisdictions should send their certificate of completion to OEM@santamonica.gov for review.

Please email OEM@santamonica.gov for further details.

Call the Office of Emergency Management at: 310-458-2263 for further details.

Contact Us:

(310) 458-2263
oem@santamonica.gov

FAQ

What eligibility requirements are needed in order to apply for CERT Training?

The CERT course has an age requirement of 18 years or older. Teenagers 14 to 17 years old may participate with the consent of a parent or guardian who is enrolled in the same course. The training is free for everyone who lives or works in Santa Monica.

Any applicant with a felony on their record will not be considered as an official volunteer with the CERT program but you may still take the training to learn disaster preparedness skills. A Livescan/fingerprinting review is required for full CERT volunteer certification after the training has been completed. Eligibility based on past criminal history will be at the discretion of the Office of Emergency Management.

CERT training is open to everyone. If you have functional or accessibility needs please reach out to OEM@santamonica.gov for accommodation.

How long is the CERT Training?

The comprehensive CERT training occurs over 20 to 25 hours. Training dates and times will be scheduled by the Office of Emergency Management.

What will I learn in CERT Training?

Utilizing basic CERT training, students will learn how to prepare for emergencies and be ready to respond to assist the community immediately following an incident. CERT training includes: Disaster Preparedness, Fire Safety, Light Search and Rescue, CERT Team Organization, Disaster Medical Operations and Terrorism Awareness.

What happens after completing CERT Training?

Once you've completed the CERT training, your effectiveness and contribution in a disaster depends on you. Although there is no obligation, CERT was designed to enlist community members as a volunteer resource to assist City officials in a time of need. Staying current on CERT training, maintaining and updating your CERT kit, or volunteering to become an official City of Santa Monica CERT volunteer are some of the ways you can really make a difference when the time comes. With your permission, the Office of Emergency Management will maintain your contact information and may contact you for assistance in events. Some examples of when CERT volunteers may be activated include:

A Citywide emergency or disaster
First Aid and other community event or incident support
Additionally, CERT members may be called on to assist in Public Safety trainings, exercises, and incidents based on need

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