The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

The Brentwood Police Department offers CERT training for those community members interested in this type of community service. The CERT training for community members are generally held on weekends, from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

The training consists of the following:

Session I, Disaster Preparedness& Terrorism Awareness
Addresses hazards to which people are vulnerable in their community. Material covers actions that participants and their families take before, during, and after a disaster. As the session progresses, the instructor begins to explore an expanded response role for civilians in that they should begin to consider themselves disaster workers. Since they will want to help their family members and neighbors, this training can help them operate in a safe and appropriate manner. The CERT concept and organization are discussed as well as applicable laws governing volunteers in that jurisdiction.

Session II, Disaster Fire Suppression/Safety & FRS Radio Operations/Communications
Briefly covers fire chemistry, hazardous materials, fire hazards, and fire suppression strategies. However, the thrust of this session is the safe use of fire extinguishers, sizing up the situation, controlling utilities, and extinguishing a small fire.

Session III, Disaster Medical Operations, Part I
Participants practice diagnosing and treating airway obstruction, bleeding, and shock by using simple triage and rapid treatment techniques.

Session IV, Disaster Medical Operations, Part II
Covers evaluating patients by doing a head to toe assessment, establishing a medical treatment area, performing basic first aid, and practicing in a safe and sanitary manner.

Session V, Light Search & Rescue Operations
Participants learn about search and rescue planning, size-up, search techniques, rescue techniques, and most important, rescuer safety.

Session VI, Disaster Psychology & CERT Team Organization
Covers signs and symptoms that might be experienced by the disaster victim and worker. It addresses CERT organization and management principles and the need for documentation.

Session VII, Course Review & Disaster Simulation Drill
Participants review their answers from a take home examination. Finally, they practice the skills that they have learned during the previous six sessions in disaster activity.

Children between the ages of 15-17 years old may attend the CERT training when accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information regarding CERT and any upcoming courses, please email CERT@brentwoodca.gov. Please include your name and contact number in your email.