CERT

The CERT concept was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1985 after some devastating earthquakes in Japan, Mexico and California. The goal was to develop multi-functional volunteer response teams with the ability to perform basic fire suppression, light search and rescue, and first aid that would improve the ability of citizens to survive until responders or other assistance could arrive. As a result of September 11, 2001, CERT was selected as one of the primary programs of President George W. Bush's new Citizen Corps. In 2005 the CERT program became part of the Department of Homeland Security.

Ever wondered what you would do in an emergency situation? What if you could plan ahead to mitigate the consequences of an emergency or help others that were injured? Would you like to assist first responders during or following a disaster? You can.

The City of Folsom is conducting a Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) course. Classes will be held according to the schedule below from 6 to 9 p.m. and will be held at Fire Station 35, 535 Glenn Drive. Preference is given to Folsom residents and those that work in the City of Folsom. Contact the Folsom CERT Volunteer line at 916-533-4116 or by email at lono@folsom.ca.us for further information.

There is no cost for the class and each participant will receive a CERT backpack and personal protective equipment needed for this hands-on curriculum. Participants must be 18 and over.  Course material will include:

Tuesday, March 17, 2020               Unit 1: Disaster Preparedness
Tuesday, March 24, 2020               Unit 2: Fire Safety and Utility Controls
Thursday, April 2, 2020               Unit 3: Disaster Medical Operations Part 1
Tuesday, April 7, 2020               Unit 4: Disaster Medical Operations Part 2
Tuesday, April 14, 2020               Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Thursday, April 16, 2010              Unit 6 and Unit 7: CERT Organization and Disaster Psychology
Tuesday, April 21, 2020              Unit 8: Terrorism and CERT
Thursday, April 23, 2020              Final Exercise

After completion of this 24-hour training course, the citizen is trained to assist family members and neighbors until emergency responders can arrive. This includes teaching disaster preparedness and mitigation. Most importantly, our mission is to provide meaningful follow-up training and volunteer opportunities to enhance the citizen's education and the communities we serve.