Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

The New York City Community Emergency Response Team (NYC CERT)  program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for different kinds of hazards.

NYC CERT volunteers are trained in basic disaster response skills, including:

• Fire safety
• Light search and rescue
• Team organization
• Disaster medical operations
• And more! 

Anyone over the age of 18 living or working in New York City may apply to participate in basic training following a NYC Emergency Management background check. NYC CERT Volunteers are expected to dedicate at least one year of service following graduation.

NYC CERT members participate in community preparedness education and support first responders during disaster response and recovery activities, including:

• Traffic and pedestrian management at planned and unplanned events.
• Escorting New York City residents to retrieve personal belongings following building evacuations.
• Missing person searches.
• Staffing assistance centers for New Yorkers affected by emergencies.
• Emergency food and supply distribution during power outages and water main breaks.
• Assisting other city agencies with emergency preparedness projects.

You can apply to become a CERT volunteer by clicking the link below.

Become a volunteer today.

If you have trouble registering, please contact NYC CERT.

NYC CERT instructors are active FDNY, NYPD, and NYC Emergency Management personnel.

The 10 training sessions include:

• Introduction to NYCEM & CERT
• Emergency Management & Community Preparedness
• Scene Management & Traffic Management
• Disaster Medical Operations
• Disaster Basic Aid
• Human Services & Psychological Effects of Emergencies
• Fire Safety & Utility Emergencies
• Light Search & Rescue
• Terrorism Awareness
• Effective Communications & Radio Basics
  

There is a final Disaster Simulation exercise after all training sessions have been completed.

Joining CERT

What are the requirements for joining NYC CERT?

• Applicants must be:
  •  At least 18 years old
  • Live and/or work in one of the five boroughs of NYC
  • Pass a NYC Emergency Management background check

How do I apply?

• https://on.nyc.gov/CERTapply
• Applicants must attend a virtual orientation session to be eligible for Basic Training
• All CERT applicants must complete the required paperwork and FEMA course, IS-100.c (Introduction to the Incident Command System). Paperwork includes: CERT Background Check form, CERT Code of Conduct form, CERT Disclaimer form and a copy of applicant’s NYS driver’s license. (Substitutes for NYS driver’s license include: NYS Non-driver’s license, NYC ID, Passport book with picture). For out-of-state driver’s licenses, a proof of NYC residence (utility bill in your name) must accompany the license.

How do I access the required FEMA course, IS-100.c?

• CERT applicants can access the required FEMA course online through the link, here: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-100.c&lang=en
• To take the course, FEMA requires students to register for a Student ID (SID).  You can register for an SID, here: https://cdp.dhs.gov/femasid

How many CERT volunteers are there in NYC?

• Over 700 members are volunteering in NYC CERT.

Basic Training

How long is the Basic training?

• Basic Training is an 11-session course and meets for three hours in the evening, two nights per week. Applicants can choose to attend classes on a Mon/Wed schedule or a Tues/Thurs schedule.  This is a hybrid course, which includes a mixture of virtual classes and several in-person exercises. All in-person exercises currently take place at NYCEM headquarters in downtown Brooklyn.

Can I bring my child to Basic training?

• Please do not bring children to Basic training as the classes run late into the evening and there are exercises that each student must participate in that may not be safe for a child (e.g. fire suppression, traffic management, etc.).

Is there a CERT in every community board?

• When applying you must provide your home address, which will determine your CERT division. You will be notified of your CERT division prior to the completion of basic training.
  

How do I find my CERT  division?

• CERT districts are the same as your community board. Once you apply, we will notify you of your CERT division.

Membership Requirements

How long is the membership commitment?

• Expectation is for a minimum of one year of service. However, many volunteers remain active for many years – in some cases, 20+ years.

Do I have to deploy if I join NYC CERT?

• Members are not required to participate in deployments if they are not comfortable doing so. In order to remain an active member of the program, members must participate in in other volunteer activities, including such as advanced training courses and preparedness events.  Preparedness education is a primary role for CERT members.
  

Can I participate in NYC CERT if I have a disability and need a special accommodation?

• Yes. NYC CERT membership is not exclusive of applicants with disabilities.  There are opportunities for all applicants in the program.

What do I need to do to be considered an “active” member?

• To be considered active, members must:
  • Attend monthly division meetings regularly and communicate any absences to volunteer leadership
  • Support program activities
  • Maintain regular communication with leadership