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.
If you would like more information about the Carmel-by-the-Sea’s CERT team you can go to the City of Carmel’s website or contact Wanda Vollmer at info@peaceofmindpreparedness.com or Scot Smythe at scot@smytheglobal.com.
There are also CERT teams for Carmel Valley and Mid-Valley and there is a website for Monterey Peninsula CERT.
In August of 1994, the Monterey Fire Department responded to a growing concern on the part of the citizens of Monterey to provide disaster response training.  With this in mind, the Monterey Fire Department brought the San Francisco Fire Department’s highly successful Neighborhood Emergency Response Training (NERT) program to Monterey.  The first class of Monterey cert trainees completed the course in February of 1995. These enthusiastic NERT’s, who understand the importance of being prepared, have spread the word since that time. Requests for additional classes have been pouring in from citizens and businesses.  Each participant receives a student manual, safety helmet, vest and a graduation certificate. At the time of enrollment, you may register to become a volunteer disaster worker for the City.  Quarterly drills are coordinated by fire department personnel to maintain and improve cert skills.
The Loma Prieta and Northridge earthquakes have demonstrated the importance of civilian volunteers during a disaster?  Spontaneous volunteers are always first on the scene to conduct initial search, rescue and first aid.  NERT’s are trained to communicate effectively, and to participate in disaster response efforts.
