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PURPOSE

The Community Emergency Response Team Program (CERT) provides Simi Valley residents and businesses with skills to become self-reliant and to assist others during disasters. 

TRAINING

Volunteers are trained in a variety emergency response skills, including:

• Disaster Awareness and Preparedness
• Response Team Management
• Disaster Psychology 
• Fire Suppression and Utilities Control 
• Hazardous Materials Awareness
• Disaster Medical Operations
• Light Search and Rescue
• Terrorism Awareness
• Small Unit Leadership

The training is conducted by The Ventura County Fire Department in conjunction with the Simi Valley Office of Emergency Services

OPERATIONS

CERT members assume that professional emergency responders (police, fire, paramedics) will be overtaxed and unable to respond during disasters such as major earthquakes.  CERT members self-activate following a disaster.  They check on their own families or coworkers, securing their homes, offices and neighborhoods.  Over 600 residents and workers based in Simi Valley have completed the training since 1994.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER TEAM

CERT graduates who show an aptitude and interest in more advance disaster response may apply to become a member of the City's Disaster Service Worker Team.  The DSW Team is made up of approximately 40 highly committed disaster service volunteers. The DSW Team responds to emergencies and disasters the same way as professional emergency responders.

HOW TO JOIN CERT

If you are up for the challenge of becoming a valued member of the Simi Valley CERT program, now is the time to complete an application. Two CERT academies are held each year.  Typically one is held in the Spring and the other in the Fall.

Download an application or pick one up at the Police Station.  Complete the application and return it to the ``CERT Coordinator"  the Police Department. You will be notified of your acceptance into the class or your placement on a waiting list.

Requirements:  You must be at least 18 years old to participate in the program and a resident or worker based in Simi Valley.

There is no charge for the program.

• Refer to the CERT training calendar to check the availability of classes.
• Complete a CERT application and return it to the Simi Valley Police Department at 3901 Alamo Street, or fax it to (805) 583-6947.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Contact the Simi Valley Office of Emergency Services at (805) 583-6263 or email tadams@simivalley.org