Carlsbad Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

Given the region’s persistent threat from wildfire, and the potential risks from earthquake, pandemic flu or other natural or man-made disasters, the Carlsbad Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteer program plays a key role in the City of Carlsbad’s goal to advance community safety. When large-scale incidents occur, CERTs provide neighbor-helping-neighbor assistance before the arrival of Carlsbad firefighters, police or other first responders. Since its inception in 2008, approximately 300 CERT volunteers have completed training. Carlsbad CERT volunteers are trained in basic first aid, light search and rescue and small fire suppression, and are closely associated with Carlsbad’s Fire Department. CERT volunteer response actions are directed by the city’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator. They play a large role in community safety and emergency preparedness awareness and public outreach. Carlsbad CERT’s purpose is to assist the Carlsbad community and residents in emergency preparedness and response. CERT volunteers may not self-deploy, or activate without proper approval. The program is primarily intended for Carlsbad residents.