Skip to main content

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

Coast Union High School Football standby, as well as other athletic events as requested

Special Event standby and assistance, such as the annual Pinedorado Celebration and the Fourth of July Fireworks

Why the need for CERT? 

In the event of a large-scale disaster, the normal Emergency Response Agencies that serve you will be overwhelmed and they might not be able to assist you for up to 72 hours.

Cambria CERT Facebook

Who is CERT? 

The Cambria Fire Department, SLO County Fire Chiefs Assoc., SLO County Sheriffs Advisory Council, and the Cambria Community Healthcare District. CERT is designed for:

  • Families or Individuals
  • Business Owners and their Employees
  • Neighborhood Groups
  • Integrated Community Response

CERT training is for everyone, but those who wish to go to the next level can join ‘Cambria CERT’ organized to respond to the Community in emergencies.

What is CERT? 
  • CERT is a “hands-on” course that teaches individuals to be better prepared in the event of a major disaster, and to form into effective neighborhood teams to assist others.
  • In the CERT training class you will learn about how and when to turn off your Utilities; Firefighting skills; Medical skills; Hazardous Materials and Terrorism awareness; light Search and Rescue techniques; and most importantly, you’ll learn SELF RELIANCE.
  • As a Cambria CERT Responder you will be connected to a communications network designed to keep you and your family in the know during all types of emergencies where normal communications channels are down. You will also have the opportunity to practice and grow your CERT skills alongside other team members.
Where does CERT meet? 

Cambria Community Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall
2250 Yorkshire Drive
Cambria, California 93428

When does CERT meet? 

Coming soon...

What does CERT cost? 

There is a $30 materials fee that provides you with a student manual and Emergency Supplies.

Contact CERT 

To request more information or ask a question please contact:

CERT Coordinator

Phone #: (805) 927-6240

Please leave a message with your contact information.

CERT History 

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) concept was originally developed and implemented by the City of Los Angeles Fire Department. The program proved to be very successful. In the summer of 1996, San Luis Obispo City Fire Department and Cal Poly modified the program slightly to reflect local conditions and concerns. The Regional program was developed, with the assistance of the City Fire Department, in 2003, for delivery in all the communities of SLO County.

CERT Goals 

The goal of the CERT program is to help the community to be self-sufficient in a disaster by developing multi-functional teams that are trained in basic skills. After completing the program, you will be able to function as part of a team or as a leader of on-scene volunteers.

  • To prepare your family and home to survive all types of disasters.
  • To protect yourself first so that you will be able to help others.
  • To assist family and neighbors during the time of a disaster.
  • To work as part of an emergency response team at work or in the community.

It is hoped that participants from all areas of the community will complete the training. During the course participants will receive a disaster preparedness manual, a personal emergency supply kit and a Certificate of Completion.

Want to Learn More? 

Click on the links below for more information.

CCSD Community Programs

Estero Bay CERT

Ready.gov

FEMA CERT

CERT Events 

Coming soon...

CERT Newsletters 

Coming soon...

Are You Ready? 

Sixty-three people lost their lives in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Fifty-seven people lost their lives in the 1994 Northridge earthquakes. But not one of these was the “BIG ONE” Experts predict a 60% probability of an earthquake occurring on the San Andreas Fault, which runs through San Luis Obispo County, within the next 20 years. Earthquakes are not our only worry, San Luis Obispo County has had its share of major Wild Fires, Hazardous Materials spills, and Transportation Accidents. Winter storms impacted our community. When the BIG ONE hits, emergency services will be overwhelmed. Since it’s simply a supply and demand issue, the reality is that it may be up to 72 hours before help can arrive.