| The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is
a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) program that helps educate
citizens about hazards they may face and trains them in lifesaving skills
so that they are better prepared to respond to emergency situations in
their communities.
Initially, CERT programs were developed to assist communities
in taking care of themselves in the aftermath of a major disaster when
first responders are overwhelmed or unable to respond because of communication
or transportation difficulties. As the CERT concept has taken hold across
the country, however, CERT's have become much more than originally envisioned.
CERT's have proven themselves to be an active and vital part of their communities'
preparedness and response capability.
For example, CERT's have been used to:
- Distribute and/or install smoke alarms and batteries to the
elderly and disabled.
- Assist with evacuations and traffic control.
- Promote community awareness of potential hazards and preparedness
measures.
- Supplement staffing at special events, such as parades.
- Act as victims in training exercises.
CERT's are an investment of local government's time and resources. To capitalize
on this investment, program sponsors can view CERT members as a volunteer
resource that can assist with public safety activities. Such an approach
will actively involve members in serving their communities beyond disaster
response and add value to the CERT program.
To Contact Us:
Manteca Police Department
C.E.R.T. Program
1001 W. Center St.
Manteca, CA 95337
(209) 239-8441
PublicAffairs@ci.manteca.ca.us
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