CERT provides disaster information, education, and training that no resident should be without!

What is CERT?  CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team.  CERT is a group of people that are trained to work as a team to respond to disasters that impact their homes, businesses, and neighborhoods.  The CERT program focuses on providing specialized training to organized “teams” to provide vital services within their neighborhoods or businesses, in the absence of emergency responders, whose arrival may be delayed due to the scope of the event. 

The CERT Academy provides a minimum of 24 hours of classroom and hands-on training. The CERT Academy is held at Fire Station 34, 343 E. 16th Street, National City, CA 91950.

The next CERT Academy is scheduled for the following dates/times:

February 21, 2018, 6-9 PM                  Unit 1 Disaster Preparedness

February 28, 2018, 6-9 PM                  Unit 2 Fire Safety and Utility Controls

March 7, 2018, 6-9 PM                          Unit 3 Disaster Medical Operations, Part 1

March 14, 2018, 6-9 PM                        Unit 4 Disaster Medical Operations, Part 2

March 21, 2018, 6-9 PM                        Unit 5 Light Search and Rescue Operations

March 28, 2018, 6-9 PM                        Unit 6 CERT Organization

April 4, 2018, 6-9 PM                             Unit 7 Disaster Psychology

April 11, 2018, 6-9 PM                           Unit 8 Terrorism

April 14, 2018, 8:30 AM-12:00 PM      Unit 9 Final

The CERT Academy is offered free of charge, and is open to all residents OR employees of businesses with a physical address in National City or Lincoln Acres.  The CERT Academy is designed to be practical, interesting, and fun.  While the CERT Academy is interactive, there are no special physical requirements to participate in the program.

In the CERT Academy you will learn fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations/first aid.

CERT is grant funded and our program will be coordinated by the National City Fire Department.  All classes are taught by emergency management, fire, and police instructors.  The CERT program is an official Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) program.  Certificates of Completion are issued to participants at the end of the CERT Training Academy.  Up to 28 hours of Community Service Hours may be issued for participating high school students.  (Parental approval is required for teens 16 years or older to participate).

If you are interested in attending this CERT Training Academy, send an e-mail to  cert@nationalcityca.gov or call (619) 336-4556.  ONLY 32 slots available.  Call or e-mail now, your community needs you!