CERT

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

 Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

The CERT program is in it’s infancy in Eagle County. Currently this program is administrated by the Vail Police Department. Volunteer groups meet to train and exercise in a variety of different disciplines including: Light search and rescue, traffic control, communications, first aid, recognizing hazards etc.  The coordinator for the CERT program is Officer Eric Bonta.

For more information or to sign up for training, Contact Officer Bonta at ebonta@vail.gov