OEM - CERT

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	NYC CERT members undergo an intensive 10-week training program that raises awareness about emergencies and disasters and provides basic response skills needed for fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, and traffic control. After graduating, teams support their local communities by assisting with emergency education and response. Emergency services personnel are the best equipped to respond to disasters. NYC CERT is trained to support the efforts of New York City's first responders. This program works because residents know their communities best. During non-emergency situations, NYC CERTs educate their communities on emergency preparedness by working with the Ready New York program and building community disaster networks.


		How to Join The next NYC CERT training cycle is beginning March 2010. There will be sessions in all five boroughs. Contact OEM's CERT staff to learn how to get involved. OEM is always looking for new CERT volunteers who want to help their family, friends, neighbors, and communities before, during, and after emergencies. Find out how to get involved. Download a copy of the brochure, contact OEM's CERT staff, or call the hotline at 718-422-8585 to get in contact with your local team.


	OEM's Role Since 2003, the number of active NYC CERTs managed by NYC OEM has grown from 10 to over 50. These teams are able to provide emergency preparedness education and response to cover all 59 community boards in the five boroughs. The NYC CERT program is managed by the External Affairs Division of OEM, overseen by the Deputy Commissioner for External Affairs. NYC OEM manages all NYC CERT activities, including recruitment, training, deployment, and planned events. See a full list of OEM-recognized and trained teams in NYC

	Program Partners Along with OEM, the following partners have assisted in leading and training NYC CERTs: Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) The New York City Department of Health provides mental health professionals to instruct NYC CERT trainees about psychological first aid for emergency responders and disaster victims. Fire Department (FDNY) The FDNY facilitates the 11-week training program by offering seasoned FDNY and EMS personnel. They also provide experienced topic instructors for FDNY and EMS classroom-based and hands-on modules. In addition, the FDNY are also major contributors to the NYC CERT curriculum. Police Department (NYPD) The NYPD provide experienced police personnel from NYPD and the Auxiliary Police Unit to train police-related modules, such as Terrorism Awareness and Police Science. In addition, the NYPD are also contributors to the NYC CERT curriculum.




	Meet the Teams NYC CERT Resources NYC CERT Photo Gallery NYC CERT Brochure NYC CERT FAQ




	Watch a short clip about CERT's role in an exercise on Randall's Island from CBS Channel 2's morning show In October 2009, the Staten Island Port Richmond team helped secure debris after high wind storms in their neighborhoods. In October 2009, the Far Rockaway team called in flooding reports to OEM Watch Command during a coastal storm. Teams from throughout the city assisted with traffic control during the annual Multiple Sclerosis Walk in October and New York Harbor Day in September.