Community Spotlight: CERT

When the big one hits, will you be ready?

With the help of the Agoura Hills Community Emergency Response Team, you will.

The close-knit group of 60 volunteers undergoes regular training to help residents in the wake of a major disaster. Commonly known by its acronym, CERT was launched in 1985 by the Los Angeles County Fire Department and expanded nationwide by FEMA in 1993.

All residents are encouraged to volunteer for the program, which requires regular trainings in medical assitance and communication. Agoura Hills' CERT Team has a fully functional, consistently trained Disaster Response Team.

No prior training is required, but nearly two-thirds of the Agoura Hills volunteers own their own ham radios, which function without electricity, telephone land lines or cellular towers. 

"In a disaster, without communication, you can't do anything," said longtime volunteer H. Diane Connolly. "What about when your cell phone does not work?  What do you do then?" 

The comprehensive CERT Curriculum includes general disaster preparedness, fire suppression, medical operations, search and rescue, terrorism risk and threat analysis, psychology and disaster-induced trauma, developing a command system, and simulation drills.  The free Tuesday night series is offered twice a year.

Tony Wertenbruch began his training in late 2005 after following a friend to a CERT meeting out of curiosity and became an active member of the Disaster Response Team in 2006.

He appreciates the training he's received, particularly in disaster communication. "We've been able to accomplish a lot of what we wanted to do," he said.

CERT's next board meeting is scheduled for  6 p.m. Tuesday, June 1 at at the  Civic Center.