NYC Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) are groups of neighborhood and community-based volunteers that undergo an intensive, 11-week training program in disaster preparedness and basic response skills. Several of the topics include Fire Safety, Search and Rescue, and Disaster Medical Operations. After completing training, teams support their local communities by assisting with emergency education and response.

Emergency services personnel are the best equipped to respond to emergencies. However, following a catastrophic disaster, NYC CERTs can handle initial emergency recovery while they wait for professional first responders.

During non-emergency situations, NYC CERTs educate their communities on emergency preparedness.

Watch Manhattan CERT members in action as they help recovery efforts after the midtown crane collapse 

NYC CERT Brochure

This year, OEM introduces an NYC CERT brochure to give teams a tool to recruit members and educate New Yorkers about the NYC CERT program. The brochures will be available later this winter, but you can download a copy of the brochure now.

OEM's Role

When OEM began managing the program in 2003, 10 CERTs existed and were grandfathered into the NYC CERT Program. Over the last four years, the number of active teams has grown to 56, with the goal of at least one NYC CERT in each community board.  OEM is looking to collaborate with the following Community Boards to build NYC CERTs: SI 3, MN 5, BX 5/6/9/10/12, BK 5/8/16/17, and QU 3/12/13.
See a full list of OEM-recognized and trained teams in NYC

If you are interested in becoming part of an NYC CERT in one of these areas, please contact your Community Board.  OEM will work with the Community Board to recruit at least 20 residents who will represent the area to form each initial team.

Residents know their communities best.  NYC CERT is looking for those residents who want to help their family, friends, neighbors, and communities before, during, and after emergencies.