The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area, and trains them in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available.

CERT members are also encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

What La Quinta CERT Does

The City of La Quinta’s CERT is organized to support the City during an emergency or disaster. CERT members provide other assistance in planning, preparedness, exercises, and community events. They practice skills including: triage, disaster medical treatment, light search and rescue, radio communications, and fire extinguisher usage.

How to Become a Member of the Team

To become a CERT member, citizen volunteers complete the basic 20-hour FEMA CERT training course that is offered by the City of La Quinta twice a year, typically in March and October. The Riverside County Emergency Management Department offers this class year-round. Check out the CERT training opportunities section below for registration links.

The City of La Quinta is actively recruiting adult volunteers of all ages for the City’s CERT team. Contact the City's Emergency Management Division at emergencyservicesmail@laquintaca.gov for more information.

CERT Training Opportunities

Upcoming CERT classes offered by The Riverside County Emergency Management Department and surrounding cities are available at https://rivcoready.org/cert/registration

You can also take some of the Basic Training online by visiting:  Basic CERT Training

To be added to the interest-list to participate in a future La Quinta CERT Class, email your contact information to  emergencyservicesmail@laquintaca.gov. 

CERT Resources

• CERT Basic Training Manual
• CERT Manual de Capacitación Básica

CERT Forms

• CERT Documentation Overview
• CERT Damage Assessment
• CERT Personnel Resources Check-In
• CERT Assignment Tracking Log
• CERT Briefing Assignment
• CERT Victim Treatment Area Record
• CERT Communications Log
• CERT Equipment Inventory
• CERT General Message
• CERT Victim Data Form
• CERT Neighborhood Damage Summary
• CERT Neighborhood Damage Summary
• CERT ICS-214 Activity Log

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