Ready for Anything: CERT

Emergency Preparedness Training for Tuolumne County Residents

Have you ever been inspired to prepare to help your community during emergencies? Emergency training can help when unexpected incidents happen, whether at home, in our neighborhoods, at work, in schools, or outdoors. When first responders haven’t arrived yet, individuals may need to respond immediately to life-threatening situations, take time to understand and report the situation to first responders, and may be needed to help when first responders are overwhelmed by larger disasters.
 
 In 1985, a massive earthquake hit Mexico.  Measuring 8.1 on the Richter scale, the resulting destruction killed over 10,000 people, injured over 30,000, and left up to 100,000 people without homes. After the disaster, Mexico developed a national civil defense system to prepare the public better to respond to emergencies (1). The Los Angeles Fire Department was inspired to create a similar program (since LA is also susceptible to natural disasters such as earthquakes), and it held its first classes in 1986.
 
 The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) adopted the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, formalizing it in 1993. Now there are 3,200 CERT groups across all U.S. states and territories, as well as in tribal communities. CERT groups have consistent organizational structures and procedures so that volunteers can act effectively and swiftly when needed.
 
 The program teaches community members basic home and structural safety, disaster response, basic first aid, disaster psychology, triage methods, group organization, light search-and-rescue techniques, fire response and suppression, and effective disaster communication.

Tuolumne County has three CERT groups: Tuolumne Me-Wuk Tribal, Twain Harte, and Groveland. Training is a free, 20-hour course open to Tuolumne County residents. CERT members also have opportunities for future training and volunteer work at local community events.

NOTES

1. “1985 Mexico City Earthquake,” History, A&E Television Networks, LLC, updated May 28.
2. “Community Emergency Response Team (CERT),” FEMA, updated April 22, 2026.