CERT

CERT is an acronym that stands for Community Emergency Response Team. The program is designed to help you protect yourself, family and neighbors in the event of a disaster or emergency. It is a nationwide program with local teams all over the country. 
In the event of a significant disaster, first responders will be spread thin responding to multiple emergencies. CERT members will have training to help protect themselves, their family and their neighbors in an emergency situation. 

The San Marcos CERT program has 100 members that are available to assist first responders and the City in the event of a disaster. The team has quarterly training and a drill once a year to keep their skills proficient. 

CERT training 

The training is meant to give citizens the knowledge to help themselves in the event of an emergency.  In the training, citizens learn:

  • How to prepare before an emergency 
  • How to extinguish small fires and control utilities 
  • Basic first aid and triage 
  • Search & rescue techniques and lifting heavy objects 
  • Incident command system 
  • Disaster psychology 
  • Elements of terrorism 
  • Wildland fires and evacuations 

When is it offered?

The City offers a CERT Academy once a year in a joint partnership with Escondido Fire Department. The classes will be held in San Marcos throughout the dates selected for training. There is no cost to attend. Classes range from 4 hour to 8 hour commitments. Usually, classes are one or two days a week in the evening or on the weekend, for three weeks. After successful completion of the academy each member is offered the opportunity to join the San Marcos CERT team. To join you must be over 18 and a resident of San Marcos and pass a background check.

 

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