Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

The City of Yorba Linda, in conjunction with the Orange County Sheriff's Department, Orange County Fire Authority, the City of Brea, and the City of Placentia, has established a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program to educate people about disaster preparedness. Although the City of Yorba Linda provides a tri-city training program with the City of Brea and City of Placentia, graduates are managed separately by each respective jurisdiction.


The Yorba Linda CERT program educates people about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic disaster response skills. The goal of Yorba Linda CERT is to provide citizens with the basic skills to protect themselves, their family, and neighbors in the aftermath of a disaster. As a CERT volunteer, you can help by responding to the immediate needs of your neighborhood following an event when professional emergency responders are not immediately available to help.

CERT logo

Requirements

CERT is a component of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Citizen Corps Program. CERT training is provided using a nationally recognized curriculum approved by FEMA. The course requires 20 hours of training which is composed of hands-on and classroom instruction given by certified professionals in emergency management, as well as authorized fire and police service personnel. All courses must be completed to be considered a graduate of the program. CERT training is provided free of charge, but pre-registration is required.

Training Topics

  • CERT Team Organization
  • Disaster Medical Operations
  • Disaster Psychology
  • Fire Safety
  • Light Search and Rescue
  • Terrorism Awareness

Next Training Session

The Fall 2018 CERT classes will begin on April 10 and will be held at the Yorba Linda Community Center. View the complete class schedule (PDF). You can enroll in this training by completing the online CERT Registration Form or submitting the registration form (PDF) to City Hall. For additional information, please email Mike Ferdig, Emergency Management Coordinator, or call 714-961-7104.