Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

Join Us in Protecting Our Community. Stronger Together. Ready for Anything.

Our small rural community is resilient but emergencies can strike without warning. Wildfires, earthquakes, floods, power outages, medical emergencies… when help is minutes or miles away, neighbors helping neighbors makes all the difference.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) empowers everyday residents with the skills, confidence, and teamwork to respond safely and effectively when it matters most.

If you’ve ever thought “I wish I knew what to do in an emergency,” CERT is for you.

CERT: Neighbors Helping Neighbors

In a rural community like ours, we don’t wait for help — we are the help. CERT gives you the tools to protect your loved ones and support your community when it matters most.

What CERT Is and Why It Matters

CERT is a FEMA-supported program that trains volunteers to assist during disasters when professional responders may be delayed. CERT members learn how to:

  • Provide basic medical aid
  • Perform light search and rescue
  • Use fire extinguishers and suppress small fires
  • Organize spontaneous volunteers
  • Support emergency operations
  • Prepare your home and family

CERT volunteers are not firefighters or paramedics — they are trained community members who step up when needed, support first responders, and help keep our town safe.

Why Join CERT?

  • Be part of a trusted emergency team
  • Learn lifesaving skills you can use anytime
  • Help protect your family, neighbors, and community
  • Build confidence and leadership
  • No prior experience required — just a willingness to learn

If you can show up, you can make a difference.

Our next CERT Basic Training course is now open for registration.

Course Format

  • 6-week program
  • One evening per week
  • 3 hours per session
  • Hands-on final disaster simulation exercise

What You’ll Learn

  • Disaster Preparedness
  • Fire Safety & Suppression
  • Medical Operations I & II
  • Search & Rescue
  • Team Organization & Leadership
  • Disaster Psychology

The final exercise brings everything together in a realistic, safe, and exciting disaster scenario where you’ll practice your new skills as a team.

Who Can Join?

Anyone 16+ who lives or works in our community. No fitness requirements. No background in emergency services needed. We welcome:

  • Parents
  • Retirees
  • Teens (with parental permission)
  • Local workers
  • Community leaders
  • Anyone who wants to help

If you care about your community, you belong here.

Become a CERT Volunteer

Ready to step up? Want to learn more before committing? Contact Irene Ruiz at 805-625-3273 / irene.roy.ruiz@gmail.com to

  • Sign up for the CERT course
  • Ask a question about CERT
  • Request a presentation for your group
  • Join the CERT interest list