Join RSFFPD's CERT Team!

Learn basic disaster response and be prepared for the next emergency.

Thank you for your interest in Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District's Community Emergency Response Team!

CERT: What is CERT?

CERT is an all-hazard, all-risk training program designed to teach you how to protect yourself, your family, your neighbors and community during a disaster situation. CERT training promotes a partnering effort between emergency services and the people in the communities they serve.

The goal is for emergency personnel to train members of neighborhoods, community organizations, or workplaces in basic disaster response skills. CERT members are then integrated into the emergency response capability for their area.

CERT was first established by the Los Angeles CIty Fire Department in 1986. In 1993, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), using LAFD's model, began promoting nationwide use of the CERT concept. Since then, CERTs have been established in all 50 states; local community CERTs include the City of Coronado, Cities of El Cajon, La Mesa and Santee, and the City of Encinitas.

If a disastrous event overwhelms or delays the community's professional emergency response, CERT members can assist others by applying basic response and organizational skills learned during training. These skills can help save and sustain lives following a disaster until professional help arrives. CERT skills may also apply to daily emergencies.

Request an Application:

Download an application to join CERT