Who Joins CERT?

A typical CERT volunteer is not an athlete. The typical volunteer is a man or woman at least 18 years old who is usually active and involved in the community--or wants to be. CERT teams are best formed through a partnership with existing community groups such as a Town Council, Neighborhood Watch program, Rotary Club, business group, faith based group or homeowners association. Together with their neighbors, team members and co-workers, they build a CERT network within their own community, teaming with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department's CERT San Diego team. All residents can benefit from CERT training.

CERT San Diego connects volunteers with a network of fellow volunteers, emergency service providers, government officials and agencies, businesses and schools countywide, all working together for a common cause. CERT members are not shelter workers; they are trained citizen first responders who can help save lives.

CERT training is intensive-- it is a 20-24 hour course that offers a broad base of training far beyond a disaster preparedness class. There is a CERT team role for people of all abilities and specialties--not just medical and rescue volunteers. We need people who have good organizational skills, people skills, ham radio operators and other aptitudes necessary to a team.

CERT volunteers must be at least 18 to become accredited, although we are currently developing a partnership with scout troops.

If you do not live or work in the City of San Diego, there are other CERT programs in your area. Visit County of San Diego CERT Contacts to find your local CERT team.