Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Training Program

Being prepared in an emergency situation is critical. Over the past ten years Ventura County residents have survived through wildfires, floods, mudslides, and earthquakes.

Ventura County Fire Department in coordination with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) have joined together to assist its' residents with disaster preparedness education and training.

Following a major disaster, first responders who provide fire and medical services will not be able to meet the demand for service typically rendered. The local population will have to rely on each other for help in order to meet their immediate life saving, and life sustaining needs. The Community Emergency Response Team is a program that focuses on that preparedness.

This program took on added significance after the events of September 11, 2001 and in response, the president endorsed these volunteer programs with grant funds.

CERT teams within each community are to be prepared, self-activated, independently organized, and neighborhood oriented with support from cities and public safety agencies.

Training

CERT coordinators utilize the services of Ventura County Fire Department for their training

• View the CERT Syllabus
• View the Schedule of CERT classes.

CERT program efforts are coordinated through local emergency services personnel. Team coordinators are in charge of recruitment, new/recurring training, activity/event scheduling as well as mobilization and staging decisions.

For more information on the CERT Training program in Ventura County, please contact:

Ramona Armijo, PhD, MPH
Ventura County CERT Coordinator
Ventura County Fire Department
165 Durley Avenue, Camarillo CA. 93010
Ph: 805-389-9724
Fax: 805-388-4315
ramona.armijo@ventura.org

For general information about CERT or becoming a disaster preparedness volunteer visit the following links:

• Community Emergency Response Teams (National)
• California Volunteers (State)
• Emergency Supply Checklist (English) (Spanish)