The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program helps train people to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in, their day-to-day life and when joined together with other likewise prepared people, in and around their communities. When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community.

The CERT course will benefit anyone who takes it, an individual will be better prepared to respond to, and cope with the aftermath of, a disaster.

CERT1NYC History

On September 11th 2001, the communities of Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights and Bensonhurst responded immediately to the catastrophic events of the day. The Office of Councilman Martin J. Golden (a retired and decorated NYPD officer) became a center point for volunteers from western Brooklyn for emergency response.

Thousands of residents and local merchants donated time, food, clothing, water and needed materials. NYPD assisted in coordination of this true grassroots effort lasting for weeks after the attacks. The Office of Emergency Management worked with this volunteer army made entirely of residents from this strategically located community at the gateway to New York Harbor, which includes the only active military base in New York City.

Councilman Golden (now State Senator) held a series of meetings with local associations and groups, including NYPD, OEM, FDNY, local hospitals and the US Army Garrison at Fort Hamilton. The result of these meetings led to the adoption of the FEMA CERT model and formation a steering committee comprised of established community leaders and merchants; each asked to help develop this program.

Since that time, CERT1NYC has accepted hundreds of volunteer applications and through its relationship with Training For Life, has trained more than one hundred community residents in various aspects of Emergency Preparedness at no cost to the individual.

Why the formation of a CERT is important

Following a major disaster, first responders who would normally provide fire and medical relief will not be able to meet the demand for these services due to such factors as number of victims, communication failures, and road blockages. People may have to rely on each other for help in order to meet their immediate life saving and life sustaining needs.

If we can predict that emergency services will not meet immediate needs following a major disaster, especially if there is no warning as in an earthquake, and people will spontaneously volunteer, what can government do to prepare citizens for this eventuality?

• First, present citizens the facts about what to expect following a major disaster in terms of immediate services.

• Second, make clear an individual responsibility for mitigation and preparedness.

• Third, train them in needed life saving skills with emphasis on decision making skills, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number.

• Fourth, organize teams so that they are an extension of first responder services offering immediate help to victims until professional services arrive.

That's where you come in