The South San Francisco’s Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, is a program that educates resident volunteers about disaster preparedness and how to respond to other hazards that may occur in South City. CERT volunteers are trained in fire safety, disaster medical operations, light search rescues, disaster psychology and team organization, as well as CPR and First Aid.
The CERT concept was first developed and implemented by the Los Angeles Fire Department in 1985 and later became a national program in 1993. There are now CERT programs in all 50 states, including many tribal nations and U.S. territories. Each CERT program is unique to its own community which enables it to be tailored to each community’s particular needs.
Currently, South San Francisco has a total of 120 CERT volunteers, and they assist in many activities! CERT offers a basic training course in the spring consisting of five 3-hour sessions and two 8-hour sessions. After graduating from CERT training, you have the opportunity to join dedicated volunteers on the South San Francisco CERT Team. The team meets monthly to train on various skills such as shelter operations, communications, and Emergency Operations Center support. If you are interested in joining the SSF CERT Volunteers, please call the CERT information hotline at (650) 829-4336 or email ken.anderson@ssf.net.