The CERT concept was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1985.  The Whittier Narrows earthquake in 1987 underscored the area-wide threat of a major disaster in California.  Further, it confirmed the need for training civilians to meet their immediate needs.

CERT became a national program in 1993.  There are now CERT programs in all 50 states, including many tribal nations and U.S. territories.  Each is unique to its community, and all are essential to building a Culture of Preparedness in the United States.  There are over 2,700 local CERT programs nationwide and more than 600,000 people have trained since CERT became a national program.

Sources:  Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) | FEMA.gov

“The City of Newark recognizes that in the event of a major disaster or emergency within the City or the County of Alameda, the City's services will be overwhelmed.  Our community members may need to help each other, and the Newark CERT program offers training through our partnership with Alameda County Fire.

These trainings include basic fire suppression, light search, and rescue, putting together a disaster kit and much more.  These skills will provide immediate and deliberate response to save lives and protect property.

Our CERT Academy provided by Alameda County Fire is a 20-hour training program that is both lecture and interactive skills-based training that concludes with a hands-on exercise.

After completing the CERT Academy, we encourage you to sign-up for Newark CERT and become a Disaster Service Worker Volunteer (DSWV) and participate in Newark CERT trainings and exercises.”

CERT BOARD CERT Coordinator Position open until filled Communications Branch Position open until filled Logistics Branch Rudy Kelly Liaison Branch Sam Elbandak CERT Program Manager Richard Martinez  richard.martinez@newark.org

CERT Academy

Disasters can strike anywhere and at any time.  The CERT Academy trains you to be prepared and increase your capacity to be self-sufficient for the first 72 hours after a disaster.

• What is CERT? The purpose of CERT is to train people living in Alameda County to take care of themselves, families, and their neighbors in the event of a disaster. 
• Why do we need CERT? After several large-scale disasters such as 9/11, the Oakland Hills Fire and the Loma Prieta earthquake, there was a realization that not all emergency services personnel will be able to reach everyone right away.  By attending CERT training classes, you will learn the skills to help save lives and protect property.
• Who teaches CERT? CERT members are taught by Alameda County Fire Department personnel and its Reserves.  CERT members are taught basic fire suppression, utility control, light search and rescue, triage, and shock treatment.  Other topics include putting together your own disaster kit, disaster psychology and disaster incident management.
• How long is the training session: Training involves attending all six evening sessions for a total of 20 hours of training.  
• Who can be a CERT member? Anyone who is at least 18 years of age or older can participate.
• To learn more, contact (925) 833-3473 ext. 1721 or (510) 532-3473 ext. 1721 or via email at cert@acgov.org.

 Upcoming CERT Academy

• Thursday, October 2nd - 6pm to 9pm and Saturday, October 4th - 8am - 4pm (Classroom training to the National CERT program)

• Saturday, October 11th - 8am - 4pm (Hands-on practical demonstrating the skills you were taught the first two days of training)

You'll graduate CERT-certified and receive a gear-filled CERT bag to help you respond in emergencies.

• Location: Newark Senior Center, 7401 Enterprise Drive, Newark, CA  94560

Find classes here:  CERT Training Schedule 2025

• All training sessions are subject to change, based on speaker availability.
• All Wednesday training sessions will be held in person.  Video conferencing may be available.
• All Wednesday training sessions and Open House are open to everyone.
• Sign-up to be notified of monthly training sessions.  Training is for both Newark and Union City.
• Academy Sign-up.

Locations

Union City:  UC CERT Building - 33555 Central Avenue, Union City, CA  94587

Newark:  N Senior - Newark Senior Center - 7401 Enterprise Drive, Newark, CA  94560

The City of Newark’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is launching its 2026 series of monthly community trainings, open to all residents interested in learning how to prepare for and respond to emergencies. Each session will cover essential disaster readiness skills — including first aid, Stop the Bleed and other neighborhood preparedness trainings. The City encourages community members of all backgrounds and experience levels to participate and help build a more resilient Newark.

Notes: All training sessions are subject to change, based on speaker availability.

• All Wednesday training sessions will be held in person. Video conferencing may be available.
• All Wednesday training sessions and Open House are open to everyone.
• Sign up to be notified of monthly training sessions: https://connect.unioncitycert.org/contact
• Academy signups at: https://acfdcert.eventbrite.com/

UC – UC CERT Building – 33555 Central Ave, Union City

N Senior – Newark Senior Center – 7401 Enterprise Dr, Newark

Preparedness Training

The Alameda County Fire Department offers a variety of trainings to provide community members with the tools and resources to become better prepared and self-sufficient during a large scale emergency or disaster.

Whether you are able to spend two hours or 20 hours becoming better prepared for the next emergency, we encourage you to review the descriptions of our emergency preparedness trainings and participate in the program that best suits your needs.  To learn more about PEP/CERT, Click Here.

Community Preparedness Resources Link Pages

• 211 Alameda County
• AC Alert
• AC Ready
• Alameda County Waste Management Authority
• American Red Cross East Bay
• Association of Bay Area Government
• CAL OES
• Emergency Preparedness | Alameda County Water District - Official Website
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• Home Page - Cal MyHazards
• PG&E
• United States Geological Survey (Dept. of the Interior)