NYC CERT
NYC Community Emergency Response Teams
NYC Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) are groups of neighborhood and community based volunteers that undergo an intensive, 11 week training program in disaster preparedness and basic response skills. Several of the topics include Fire Safety, Search and Rescue, and Disaster Medical Operations. After completing training, teams support their local communities by assisting with emergency education and response.
Emergency services personnel are the best equipped to respond to emergencies. However, following a catastrophic disaster, NYC CERTs can handle initial emergency recovery while they wait for professional first responders.
During non-emergency situations, NYC CERTs educate their communities on emergency preparedness.
In May 2008, teams from all boroughs helped police with perimeter traffic control for the 31st Annual Five Boro Bike Tour in New York City.
During a heat wave in July 2008, OEM deployed two Brooklyn teams to distribute dry ice in the Sunset Park/Bay Ridge business district.
In response to a utility disruption in December 2008, OEM deployed teams from the east side of Manhattan to open and staff a warming center for affected residents.
CERT volunteers from throughout the city participated in a hospital surge capacity exercise at the New York City Medical Center on a blustery day in December 2008.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is NYC CERT and what do they do?
A: The mission of the New York City Community Emergency Response Team program is to train neighborhood and community based volunteer teams that will: inform, educate and train their neighbors on disaster preparedness; assist public safety agencies and local community boards with public events; respond to locally occurring disasters by following NYC CERT protocol strictly and supporting emergency personnel upon their arrival and request; and assist agencies in managing spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site.
Q: How did NYC CERT start?
A: The NYC CERT concept was developed and implemented by the City of Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) in 1985. It was first employed during the Whittier Narrows earthquake in 1987 when roads became impassable and communities were temporarily stranded.
LAFD then saw the need to train community members in basic rescue and survival skills. FEMA implemented the training program on their Web site making it available to communities nationwide.
In 2003, the President created the concept of Citizen Corps to train and coordinate community volunteer teams. These teams make communities safer and better prepared to respond to any emergency, and NYC CERT was designated as the initiative's key program.
In November 2003, NYC OEM received federal funding to provide Community Emergency Response Team training to New Yorkers.
Q: What are the requirements of the CERT training program?
A: There is no cost for training. Participants must commit to the 11 week training program and make every effort to attend all classes. Participants must also remain active members of the NYC CERT team following graduation for a minimum of one year. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and must undergo a criminal background check.
Most of the modules in the training curriculum are set in a lecture format. However, there are several modules that involve hands-on training. Therefore, individuals who have any physical limitations, such as asthma or severe back or knee pain, should alert their instructor before the training in question.
Q: How are new CERTs typically recruited?
A: To ensure that all communities throughout NYC have an opportunity to participate in the NYC CERT program, OEM currently recruits teams through New York City communities. OEM also works with houses of worship, civic organizations, and other community groups to recruit motivated residents.
Q: How do I join a CERT in my neighborhood?
A: If a team exists in your community write an e-mail to the NYC CERT program to be placed in contact with the team leader. This map is available to show existing teams and their Community Boards.
If a team does not exist within your Community Board, you should contact the NYC CERT program to be placed on the training list. OEM will offer training once your community confirms 40 participants for the training.
If you are a member of a community based organization, or know of community groups that would be interested in joining NYC CERT, please tell your Community Board. To find out your neighborhood's Community Board, call 311 or learn online.
Q: How can I obtain more information about NYC CERT?
A: Anyone interested in obtaining further information about NYC CERT can call the NYC CERT hotline, 718-422-8585, or write an e-mail to the NYC CERT program.
Q: Where can I learn more about disaster preparedness?
A: OEM's Ready New York guides provide information on hazards that New Yorkers may face and how they can best prepare for them. The guide is available either by calling 311 (TTY: 212-504-4115) or online.
Q: I am a medical professional, such as an MD or an RN. Can I join the NYC CERT if I already belong to the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)?
A: Yes, you can still join an NYC CERT and/or receive NYC CERT training if you are a medical professional, however you should sign up for the Department of Health & Mental Hygiene's Medical Reserve Corps. By doing so you can serve as an MRC volunteer during public health emergencies and during public health emergencies, as a NYC CERT volunteer during non-public health emergencies, as needed.
Q: How does a team or member become credentialed?
A: Beginning in 2007, OEM instituted NYC CERT credentialing. Credentialed members may be deployed, participate in NYC CERT post training opportunities, and hold leadership positions within the program. A credentialed NYC CERT member is issued a NYC CERT credentialed card, which is his or her identification by City personnel. These credentials will expire after two years, at which point team members will need to complete minimum requirements set by OEM for re credentialing. These qualifications will include team meeting attendance, participation in planned events, and training.
Q: What is Corporate CERT?
A: In 2007, the NYC CERT program expanded to the private sector through the creation of the Corporate CERT program. Businesses can sponsor training to strengthen their employees' ability to address emergencies. Corporate CERTs can also serve as extensions of their community counterparts. Corporate CERT was introduced through a pilot initiative with BNP Paribas Bank in midtown Manhattan. The bank recruited a team of its employees to comprise CoVERTTM, the Corporate Volunteer Emergency Response Team. By educating and preparing their employees, BNP Paribas was able to enhance the capabilities of its crisis management team and strengthen the surrounding community.
For more information on the Corporate CERT program, call the NYC CERT hotline: 718-422-8585.
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