Port Richmond CERT and Rescue

CERT is a program that trains citizens to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their local communities. CERT is an acronym for Community Emergency Response Team.

CERT teams are groups of neighborhood and community-based volunteers that undergo an intensive 33-hour training program in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, and medical operations.

As a rule, emergency services personnel are the best trained and equipped to respond to emergencies. However, following a catastrophic disaster, some neighborhoods may be on their own for a period of time because of the size of the area affected, lost communications, and impassable roads. CERT teams are response groups that can begin initial response actions to save lives and protect property.

During non-emergency situations, CERT teams engage in the important work of disaster preparedness. Activities include educating neighbors and community business owners about the many hazards they may face and appropriate disaster preparedness steps to take.