What is a CERT or Community Emergency Response Team?
A CERT is a group of responsible, trained individuals who have come together to form a skilled group of Disaster Service Workers. The CERT Program can be used in neighborhoods, businesses, and schools. The CERT members realize that in the event of a major disaster they will have to rely on their neighbors and themselves to handle emergencies until professional help arrives. The CERT organization uses the same basic working structure that the Fire Department and the City Emergency Operations Center uses, the Incident Command System, where positions are assigned and correlate with functions. The common goals of the organization can be accomplished without duplication of effort. What is the purpose of CERT? The Newport Beach Fire department recognizes the responsibility to provide emergency services to protect the lives and property of our residents. It also recognizes that City resources will be severely impacted with only 38 firefighters and 6-8 permanent lifeguards available to address
