The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a nationwide program that trains people to be better prepared for disasters that may affect their communities. CERT teaches basic skills like team organization, fire safety, first aid, and light search and rescue.

Founded in 2006, Walnut Creek CERT is an all-volunteer, community-based group supported by the City of Walnut Creek. Our members are trained in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) program and are sworn in as volunteer Disaster Service Workers for the city. After completing about 20 hours of training, CERT members are ready to help their neighbors in the event of a disaster, supporting local emergency responders and the city's Emergency Operations Center.

In addition to disaster response, CERT volunteers assist in other ways, such as helping police search for missing minors, conducting welfare checks during power outages, and distributing safety information. We also offer personal preparedness courses to the public.

All Walnut Creek CERT members follow a Code of Conduct. Our national mission is to "Do the greatest good for the greatest number of people." Locally, Walnut Creek CERT’s mission is to help people prepare for and respond to emergencies in their community.

How CERT works

Walnut Creek is divided into eight neighborhood areas for CERT:

  • Buena Vista
  • Civic Park
  • Heather Farm
  • LarRieu
  • Northgate
  • Rossmoor
  • Sugar Loaf
  • Tice Valley

If you’re interested in joining Walnut Creek CERT, keep an eye on local sources like the Walnut Creek CERT website and the City’s newsletter, In a Nutshell, for training opportunities.

Most importantly, start preparing today!