Definition
CERT is a group of people organized as a neighborhood-based team that receives special training to enhance their ability to recognize, respond to, and recover from a major emergency or disaster situation. Teams are trained by professional responders in areas that will help them take care of themselves and others before, during and after a major emergency. As an organized team, individuals can provide vital services in the absence of and while waiting for the arrival of emergency responders, and they often assist once responders arrive.



History
The Community Emergency Response Team concept was developed and implemented by the City of Los Angeles Fire Department in 1985. The department recognized that citizens would very likely be on their own during the early stages of a catastrophic disaster and that, with some basic training in disaster survival and rescue skills, they would be better able to survive and help others until responders or other assistance could arrive. More recently, East Coast cities have recognized the success of the CERT concept and have trained teams to meet local challenges. Many coastal communities, particularly in hurricane-prone areas, have already trained thousands of people. CERT training has proven so beneficial that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has recommended that CERT training be done nationwide. The Emergency Management Institute (EMI), in cooperation with the Los Angeles Fire Department, has expanded CERT materials and made them applicable for all contemporary hazards.



Garden City
Garden City has an active emerency management program. The program, coordinated by Chief Bill Forbush, is a cooperative effort of all city departments, administration and elected officials. A fully-trained Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is ready to assist with disaster shelters, and other support operations in a community emergency.


GCARC
The Garden City Amateur Radio Club plays a large part in Garden City CERT. Along with being trained in CERT they also have training in emergency communications, and have equipment at the ready with the ability to run on emergency power.