CERT Overview 

CERT is a volunteer program designed to prepare your family and community in the event of a catastrophic disaster. Because emergency services personnel will not be able to help everyone immediately, CERT volunteers make a difference by using the 24 hours of training in this class to save lives and protect property.  When not responding to an emergency, CERT works to prepare Goleta by advocating for preparedness at home, school, and at the workplace.

The CERT training covers basic skills that are important to know in a disaster when emergency services are not available. With training and practice and by working as a team, CERT volunteers are able to do the greatest good for the greatest number after a disaster.

Be the first to know about upcoming CERT classes! Sign up here to be added to the CERT interest/waiting list.  You do not have to become a volunteer after completing the course.

What projects has CERT done?

The Goleta CERT team has been involved in many projects throughout our community, and our projects change depending on what needs must be met at that particular time.  Learn more about our past projects below:

Distribution of 10,000+ at-home COVID-19 test kits.

In February 2022, the Goleta CERT team was able to distribute more than 10,000 at-home COVID-19 test kits to our local community.  As case numbers soared from the recent end of the 2021 holidays, CERT was able to provide test kits to our neighbors and help them know if it was safe for them to visit friends and family.

Helping local business stay open during COVID-19 restrictions.

For 10 months, CERT took on a new role as Business Ambassadors with the goal of helping local businesses stay compliant with changing COVID-19 guidance and keeping their staff and patrons safe.  The nine volunteers were trained in COVID-19 guidance and financial opportunities to help businesses stay afloat.  Altogether, CERT put over 300 hours of face-to-face work towards Goleta businesses.

Exercising and refreshing disaster response skills and procedures.

Watch the video below of CERT participants in action at a Countywide training drill held on October 26, 2019.

CERT Training and Volunteer Opportunities 

Be the first to know about upcoming CERT classes. Sign up here to be added to the CERT interest/waiting list.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long is the training? 
A: The Basic CERT National Training takes 20-24 hours of in class time to complete

Q: What is included in the training? 
A: The training consists of nine units that teach you to keep yourself safe while helping others.  CERT volunteers learn how to:

• Identify and anticipate hazards
• Reduce fire hazards in the home and workplace
• Use fire extinguishers to put out small fires
• Assist and talk to emergency responders
• Conduct light search and rescue
• Set up medical treatment areas
• Apply basic first aid techniques and reduce survivor stress.

Q: What will I contribute to my community as a CERT member? 
A: As a trained member, you can help when there is an emergency and support other activities within the community. You can address safety issues, provide peer mentoring, participate in disaster drills and exercises, assist in preparedness outreach, present fire safety education, and teach home safety.

Q: Is it safe? 
A: All training is conducted under supervision and in a safe environment.  The primary goal of the course is to learn how to keep someone out of harm's way and how to work in a team environment.

For additional information, please contact the CERT Coordinator at CERT@cityofgoleta.org.