After completing the CERT training course, participants should be able to take the necessary steps to safely secure themselves and their families. Beyond that, CERT Trained Volunteers are prepared for and expected to lead their communities by supporting any larger, neighborhood or Citywide disaster or emergency responses. Once trained and CERTified as a Disaster Service Worker Volunteer [DSW-V], members may be called to serve by identifying and reducing potential fire hazards in and around their neighborhoods, recognizing life-threatening conditions and applying appropriate life-saving techniques, conducting light search and rescue operations and, supporting with situation and status reporting.
How do CERT teams help?
Oakland CERT In Action | Resources for Current and Future CERT Members
Upon successful completion of the CERT training, course graduates receive their CERTificates and become official City of Oakland Disaster Service Worker Volunteers [DSW-V]. Here's what CERT training looks like IRL [in real life].
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Frequently Asked Questions - CERT Specific
Check here for a list of FAQ's that are specific to Community Emergency Response Teams.
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CERT Team Coverage Map
For the first time in 30 years, we are able to track and map Oakland CERT Teams.
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Benefits of CERT Training - Lessons from California, Texas, & Florida
About
After completing Oakland Community Emergency Response Team [CERT] training, course graduates will:
- Be able to identify and anticipate hazards in the home and workplace
- Understand what steps to take in order to increase personal and family readiness
- Be familiar with the Incident Command System and basic functions
- Know how to organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers in a disaster or emergency
- Know how to apply basic medical techniques/basic first aid
- Be able to set up medical treatment areas
- Know how to help reduce survivor and DSW-V stress
- Know how to safely extinguish small fires
- Be able to conduct light search and rescue activities
- Be able to assist emergency responders in mass casualty incidents.
- Understand the appropriate actions to take in an active shooter situation
- Be able to promote CERT Training in Oakland
Oakland CERT Training is available free of charge via hybrid [Digital/In-person] delivery, or via an accelerated 3- Day, in-person delivery. Teen CERT is typically delivered in-person, via the linked learning pathway and certification program at ARISE High School in Oakland.
Youth who do not attend ARISE High School may join any of the hybrid or accelerated CERT classes provided that parent or guardian permission has been obtained.