CERT Program
Vista CERT is a Not for Profit Organization with the following Mission:
To encourage the members of our community to develop and implement personal, family and workplace disaster preparedness plans and,
To provide the community properly equipped and appropriately trained civilian multi-functional disaster response teams ready to act as an adjunct to the city's emergency services in the event of a major disaster.
About Vista CERT
Following a major disaster, emergency services will beoverwhelmed, leaving families, neighborhoods and businesses on their own forhours or even days. Community members need training to prepare for and safelyrespond to the needs of their family, co-workers and neighbors during that timeperiod.
After several devastating U.S. incidents, the City of Vista sought newsolutions to meet this vital need. A community based program called CommunityEmergency Response Team (CERT) was implemented by the Fire Department. VistaCERT helps citizens become prepared to respond to disasters in their ownneighborhoods.
Vista Fire personnel train and empower citizens in safe, effective CERTteams. CERT instructors teach citizens to take life-saving action to help theirfamilies, neighbors, businesses and communities get through the first few hoursor days when emergency services are overwhelmed.
Training
CERTteams are trained in safe, basic emergency skills valuable in any majordisaster. Based on a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) program, the City'sCERT program will teach as many adult volunteers as possible in light search andrescue, basic fire suppression, emergency management and medical triage.Additionally, part of the curriculum includes developing emergency preparednesskits, reviewing home safety, and building community protection strategies. Thegreatest good for the greatest number of people is the goal; to startevacuations and first aid as quickly as possible and serve other time-criticalemergency functions to help save lives and property.
Initial training is held each quarter at one of several Palomar College locations and is free of charge. Check the Palomar College website for Class 901 in the Health & Safety Education subject area. If you need assistance locating the classes, please visit our website at www.vistacert.org.
CERT provides refresher and advanced training to volunteers throughout theyear and provides expertise and support to organizations in Vista. CERTvolunteers also stay involved through participation in local and regionaldisaster simulation drills.
Who Joins CERT?
Typical CERT volunteers are men and women of all agesand skill levels that are involved in their community - or want to be. VistaCERT volunteers connect with a network of fellow volunteers, emergency serviceproviders, government officials and agencies, businesses and schools citywide,all working together for a common cause. CERT members are trained citizen firstresponders that can help save lives.
Community Outreach
If you would like a presentationabout Vista CERT for your civic, community, church or business meeting, pleasevisit www.vistacert.org orcall (760) 643-2801.
Contact Information
For more information about VistaCERT, please visit www.vistacert.org or call (760) 643-2801.
Donations
Vista CERT is a non-profit organizationdedicated to encouraging disaster preparation and to providing properly trainedand equipped civilian teams to act as an adjunct to the City's emergencyservices in the event of a major disaster. Tax deductible donations areappreciated and should be sent to Vista CERT, 175 North Melrose Drive, Vista, CA92083.