Resources

Local CERT teams and team members can take advantage of resources as we learn of them.

If you know of additional resources we should list here, please let us know.

• CERT Operating Procedures and Activation Policy (Approved by the CERT Council 07/2024)
• CERT Participation Levels
• CERT Code of Conduct
• Disaster Service Worker (DSW) Guidelines
• Santa Cruz County Office of Response, Recovery & Resilience (OR3)
• CERT Re-certification
  When you complete the Basic CERT Course, you receive a Disaster Service Worker (DSW) badge good for five (5) years. For re-certification, and to get an updated badge, here are the recertification guidelines. Contact us if you need re-certification this year.
  
• CERT Auxiliary Ready Kit Suggestions
  When you complete the Basic CERT Course, you receive a backpack with some basic supplies, like hardhat, gloves, reflective vest, etc. However, to be properly prepared, you should add additional supplies to your pack. This list, prepared by the CERT Auxiliary, suggests important add-ons and additional recommended add-ons to have a pack that is truly ready.
  
• Additional Training — FEMA, NIMS, Red Cross
• Ham Radio
  When normal communications are impacted, ham radio (amateur radio) is an important resource. Amateur radio operators can communicate with each other and with the county’s emergency services office.To operate an amateur radio, you need to pass an exam and get an FCC license. Basic information about getting licensed.  Find when exams are going to be given (most exams are being given online currently). And classes to prepare for the exam are given occasionally. Find classes. Amateur radio operators preparing for use in emergencies are organized in ARES, the Amateur Radio Emergency Service. Local groups in ARES hold regular meetings. More information.
  
• Checklists for Emergency Preparation
• Santa Cruz County El Niño Preparation Guide
• KAZU El Niño Preparedness Report, featuring Bonny Doon CERT
• Map Your Neighborhood
• Guest Speakers
• Red Cross  [Become a Volunteer]
• Mesothelioma Center — Emergency Plan — Asbestos Concerns after a Disaster

Resource Materials for Teams and Trainers

Basic CERT Training

• Unit 1 — Disaster Preparedness (Feb 2024) (PowerPoint)
• Unit 2 — CERT Organization (Fall 2023) (PowerPoint)
• Unit 3 — Disaster Medical Operations, Part 1 (Spring 2024) (PowerPoint)
• Unit 4 — Disaster Medical Operations, Part 2 (Fall 2023) (PowerPoint)
• Unit 5 — Disaster Psychology (Fall 2023) (PowerPoint)
• Unit 6 — Fire Safety & Utility Controls (Fall 2023) (PowerPoint)
• Unit 7 — Light Search & Rescue Operations (Fall 2023) (PowerPoint)
• Unit 8 — Terrorism and CERT (Fall 2023) (PowerPoint)

Basic CERT Zoom Training

• Basic Training Phase 2 (2022) (PowerPoint)
• Hybrid CERT Hands-on via Zoom (April 2021) (PDF)

Additional Training and Resources

• How to Start and Maintain a CERT Program (PDF) (from the Corporation for National & Community Service)
• Training module for Triage (PowerPoint)
• Training module for Traffic Management (PowerPoint)
• Seacliff CERT July 2016 exercise featuring ICS and communication (PDF)
• Seacliff CERT July 2017 ICS exercise  (PDF)
• Volunteer Time Log when activated through OES (PDF | Word)

CERT Activation Binder (in development)

Recommended Books

• Linda Masterson, Surviving Wildfire: Get Prepared, Stay Alive, Rebuild Your Life (A Handbook for Homeowners)