CERT
(Community Emergency Response Team)
The City of Newark Fire Department continues to offer a community emergency response training program for community volunteers. The purpose of this training is to provide volunteers basic skills in firefighting, search and rescue, disaster medicine, and emergency preparedness. The main goal of the CERT program is to help the citizens of Newark become self-sufficient for the first 72 hours following a major disaster by developing multi-functional community emergency response teams.
The Loma Prieta and Northridge earthquakes and 9/11 have demonstrated the importance of community volunteers during a disaster. Spontaneous volunteers are often the first on the scene to conduct initial search, rescue, and first aid. CERT volunteers are trained to participate and communicate effectively in emergency response efforts. It is imperative that the citizens of Newark be prepared and do not rely solely on professional emergency services.
The US Geological Survey predicts that there is a 70% chance that the Bay Area will be struck by a major earthquake within the next 30 years. When the “BIG ONE” hits, emergency services will be overwhelmed. It may take up to 72 hours for help to arrive.
Qualified instructors from the Newark Fire Department present the training for the CERT program. Students are required to attend six classes, which are presented once a week during the evenings from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Silliman Activity Center, 6800 Mowry Ave. Students will be provided with a training manual. Upon successful completion of all five classes, students will receive a Certificate of Completion, CERT ID, helmet, and vest. CERT classes are FREE.
Fall 2009 CERT COURSE OUTLINE
Class 1 - EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS - Thursday, September 24, 2009
- Emergency Response Team Concept
- Personal, Family, and Workplace Preparation
- Utilities and Hazardous Materials Overview
Class 2 - Fire Suppression and Hazmat – Thursday, October 1, 2009
- Fire Chemistry and Extinguishment
- Hazardous Materials
Class 3 - DISASTER MEDICINE – Thursday, October 8, 2009
- Recognition and Treatment of Life Threatening Injuries
- Triage of Patients
- Care of Minor Injuries and Burns
Class 4 - LIGHT SEARCH AND RESCUE – Thursday, October 15, 2009
- Earthquake Effects on Buildings
- Search and Rescue Techniques
- Lifting Heavy Objects
Class 5 - TERRORISM and TEAM MANAGEMENT - Thursday, October 22, 2009
- Terrorism Weapons and Response
- Terrorism Rescue and Recovery
- Team Management and Response
- Disaster Psychology
Class 6 - HANDS-ON DISASTER SIMULATION – Thursday, October 29, 2009
- *Held at Fire Station #3 next to the Silliman Activity Center (Corner of Cherry Street and Mowry Avenue)
- Hands-on Disaster Exercise
- Critique
- Recognition and Certificate Presentation
For more information, contact the CERT Hotline, (510) 578-4000 x530; or email your questions to cert@newark.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Since it's inception in 1997, over 600 Newark residents have been certified in the CERT program. CERT is designed to help you and your family be better prepared in the event of a disaster. Earthquakes Happen! And with current world issues, it is even more important that you and your family are better prepared to survive when disaster strikes.
To learn more about the program, the list below answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Newark's CERT program. After reading through the questions and answers below it is hoped that you will join our over 600 trained CERT members.
How much does the CERT program cost?
The program is FREE! The only cost incurred may be in upgrading your own personal disaster kits at home. (Food, water, tools etc.)
When is the program offered?
We offer two 6-week classes. One in the spring and one in the fall.
How long is the class and where is it held?
The classes are held from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. They are held one night a week for 6 consecutive weeks. (Ex. 6 straight Thursday nights). The first 5 classes are classroom style and the final class is a hands on drill held at Fire Station 3. (Cherry and Mowry)
Who teaches the classes?
The classes are taught by Fire Department personnel. Two instructors per class.
What do I get when I graduate?
Every participant will receive a student manual filled with disaster tips and vital information for rescue, fire suppression and general first aid. Upon completion of the 6-week course you will also receive a helmet, vest and ID badge along with a certificate of completion.
After I graduate, then what?
For starters, and most importantly you will have the training that will make you better prepared in the event of a true disaster. You also will be encouraged to attend refresher drills throughout the year.
Do I have to stay involved?
This is entirely up to you. We do offer 1 or 2 re-training classes on various skills as well the annual refresher drill.
What are Districts, and why does Newark have 9?
To help with the span of control it was necessary to break the city down into more manageable groups. It seemed most likely to use the school boundaries, which most people are already familiar with. Our districts match the 8 public elementary schools and our 9th district is Newark Memorial High School, which is everything south of Mowry Ave. There is a Team Leader for each district.
Who and what are Team Leaders?
Team Leaders are a special group of volunteers who have completed the program and wanted to become more involved. They participate in the meetings; they help new members and are the contact person that I communicate information to.
In the event of a large disaster, what am I expected to do?
First and foremost you are to take care of your immediate family. This is what you have gone through the class for. You will be prepared and know what to do to survive the next 72 hours. If your family is safe you can then go out into your neighborhood and assist neighbors. If everything is under control in your neighborhood you may then want to assist in the citywide efforts. (I.e. shelters, etc.)
Why would I need to help others, wouldn't the police and fire departments be doing that?
In a large disaster, police and fire departments will be overwhelmed with large scale emergencies. This is why this program is so crucial.
How do I sign up?
All you need to do is call this number (510) 793-1400 ext. 530. Leave your name and number and someone will get back to you with the next class schedule.
Do I need any special skills to join?
No, just the willingness to learn the skills necessary to survive a disaster. We have had participants ranging in age from 14 to 80 and some even in wheelchairs. We say come one come all.
Can I bring my children?
If they are under the age of 14 they may not attend. This is discouraged for two reasons: the material covered is not suitable for younger children; and two it is very difficult to deliver all of the required information if there are constant interruptions. We do, however accept young adults between the ages of 14-17 if accompanied by a parent/guardian.
LINKS TO DISASTER INFORMATION
Tri-Cities Area Disaster Preparedness
City of Fremont (CERT)
City of Union City (CERT)
Disaster Preparedness Resources Link Pages
Alameda County Waste Management Authority
American Red Cross (Santa Clara Valley Chapter)
Earthquake Web Link
Emergency Action Links
PG&E
The Community Preparedness Website Project
United States Geological Survey (Dept. of the Interior)
Earth Shakes
Environmental Safety Services
Disaster Response Governmental Agencies
Association of Bay Area Government
California Office of Emergency Services
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)