In January, five member groups of New York City's CERT pilot program — part of the Department of Homeland Security's Citizen Corps initiative — completed 25 hours of basic disaster preparedness and response training.

The new CERT graduates, who were trained and tested in skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, and medical operations, are now prepared to assist emergency personnel when needed in emergencies affecting their immediate communities. They are also committed to helping their communities better prepare for all types of emergencies.

• Bronx: Bronx Task Force on Child Abuse Prevention
• Brooklyn: St. Gabriel's Senior Center
• Manhattan: Community Board 12 Manhattan
• Staten Island: South Beach Civic Association
• Queens: Glendale Civilian Observation Patrol and Glendale Volunteer Ambulance Corps

South Beach Civic Association	Bronx Task Force on Child Abuse Prevention
Community Board 12 Manhattan	Glendale Civilian Observation Patrol and Glendale Volunteer Ambulance Corps

Graduation ceremonies took place in each of the five boroughs in January to recognize the CERT groups' achievements. Representatives from the NYPD, FDNY, NYC OEM, Citizens for NYC and the United States Department of Homeland Security were on hand to congratulate the graduates.

Participants in a CERT Disaster Preparedness class.

"This is just the beginning. Bringing the message of preparedness home to your friends, family, and community goes hand in hand with the Ready New York campaign," said OEM Deputy Commissioner Edward Gabriel at the Manhattan graduation ceremony. "Emergencies happen every day. CERT is helping prepare citizens at a higher level, which serves a valuable role in any emergency."

With the first phase of the CERT pilot program complete, CERT trainers will draw on participant feedback to improve the current curriculum. OEM instructor Debra Sheldon said the CERT volunteers' commitment to ensuring their communities are prepared is the driving force for the program.

"The CERT volunteers were engaged and enthusiastic students," Sheldon said. "Their leadership, curiosity, and genuine interest in helping their communities will help us advance the New York City CERT program for future participants."

In 2004, at least 10 additional CERT teams will be trained citywide. During this initial phase, the CERT pilot program is closed to additional groups. However, OEM is committed to providing information about disaster preparedness volunteer opportunities and training. To learn more, visit OEM's CERT web page.