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NYC CERT

Community Emergency Response Team volunteers

New York City Community Emergency Response Team (NYC CERT) members are dedicated volunteers who undergo a training program that provides basic response skills needed for fire safety, light search and rescue, community disaster support, disaster medical operations, and traffic control.

The volunteer commitment is for at least one year of service following graduation.

Become a volunteer today.

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

  • Traffic and crowd control at the planned and unplanned events.
  • Escorting New York City residents of evacuated buildings to retrieve personal belongings.
  • Missing person searches.
  • Staffing assistance centers and interpreting for New Yorkers affected by emergencies.
  • Emergency food and supply distribution during power outages and water main breaks.
  • Presenting Ready New York preparedness information to communities and build community disaster networks.

How to Join

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.

Photo of working handing out face masks at a subway station

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.

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