About CERT

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates you about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact your area and trains you 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 your neighborhood or workplace following an event.

These skills can help save and sustain lives following a disaster until help arrives, and also apply to daily emergencies.

Training Opportunities

CERT workshops provide 24 hours of basic training followed by an emergency disaster simulation.

During each session participants are required to bring safety equipment (gloves, goggles, mask) and disaster supplies (bandages, flashlight, dressings) which will be used during the session.

Volunteer Opportunities

CERT
is for
everyone!

When you have completed the basic training, it is important to stay involved and practice your new skills.  Our local CERT organization offers periodic refresher sessions and additional training opportunities.

In addition you are welcome to join a CERT team, participate on a CERT committee or with local or county-wide emergency exercises, or help with local events, such as manning our booth at fairs or joining the CERT team in parades.

CERT team members are also called to help with local emergency situations.

Umpqua Valley Citizen Corp is a member of the Douglas County Volunteer Services Agency.  www.dcvolunteers.org

ERT Training Exercises

CERT training concludes with an emergency disaster simulation that covers fire safety, light search and rescue, and medical triage. CERT members and volunteers participate as victims.

During each session participants are required to bring safety equipment (gloves, goggles, mask) and disaster supplies (bandages, flashlight, dressings) which will be used during the session.For more information about local training opportunities, contact:

Umpqua Valley Citizen Corps
PO Box 779
Roseburg, OR 97470
541 825-3660
sfdegolier@yahoo.com

or call the

City of Roseburg Fire Department
541 673-4459

Background

The CERT concept was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) in 1985. The Whittier Narrows earthquake in 1987 underscored the area-wide threat of a major disaster in California, and confirmed the need for training civilians and local, state, and government agencies to safely assist with emergencies when Emergency Services personnel are overwhelmed.