What is CERT?

Consider, for a moment, that a major earthquake or other natural disaster were to affect the City of Moorpark.

It is important to understand that if and when a major disaster occurs, the arrival of emergency services personnel such as the Fire Department, paramedics, and police will be significantly delayed! 

Those emergency resources will be deployed FIRST to major incidents such as collapsed buildings. This is why you constantly hear “YOU must be prepared to take care of yourself and your family in the event of an emergency.”

The Community Emergency Response Team, better known as CERT, is a program designed to give citizens the tools to secure their safety and that of their families when disaster strikes, and then empower them to help their neighbors and work in support of professional first responders.

The overriding goal and unofficial motto of the CERT program is “The Greatest Good for the Greatest Number of People.” With the training offered by the CERT Program, you can become much better equipped to deal with your circumstances without needing aid from outside sources, and be prepared to stand beside your neighbors and help our community in a time of need.

CERT TRAINING

CERT members are trained in basic disaster response skills such as:

• managing utilities and putting out small fires,
• triaging injuries by opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock,
• providing basic medical aid,
• searching for and rescuing victims safely,
• organizing themselves and spontaneous volunteers to be effective,
• collecting disaster intelligence to support first responder efforts.

For more information on the program and how to sign up, please fill out the form below or contact the Emergency Management Division at CERT@moorparkca.gov.