Central Aid Agency CERT is a federally registered Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program operated by the Central Aid Agency in partnership with Training Solutions International. The goal of the program is to deploy to disaster and emergency situations, and to better prepare the community and the general public to respond to all hazard incidents. The program serves the Junction City and greater Lane County areas and also works with other CERT programs operating in the region.
Central Aid Agency CERT conducts Basic Training Courses as well as ongoing training for CERT team members and members of the community. The program also engages in community outreach presentations focusing on disaster preparedness and resiliency.
Central Aid Agency CERT is open to any member of the community interested in becoming more prepared and resilient. We welcome both experienced CERTs who have already been trained, as well as those new and looking to learn.
Central Aid Agency CERT is deployed by the Central Aid Agency in conjunction with C.A.A. Rapid Response Teams and has deployment agreements with other local CERT programs, the Lane County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD), as well as several government agencies.
Central Aid Agency CERT conducts Basic Training Courses as well as ongoing training for CERT team members and members of the community. The program also engages in community outreach presentations focusing on disaster preparedness and resiliency.
Central Aid Agency CERT is open to any member of the community interested in becoming more prepared and resilient. We welcome both experienced CERTs who have already been trained, as well as those new and looking to learn.
Central Aid Agency CERT is deployed by the Central Aid Agency in conjunction with C.A.A. Rapid Response Teams and has deployment agreements with other local CERT programs, the Lane County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD), as well as several government agencies.
Training ScheduleCentral Aid Agency CERT currently trains every month with other C.A.A. Emergency Response units in Sector 2. Training meetings occur on the 2nd Friday of the month from 1930-2200 at Sector 2 HQ in Junction City (located behind the First Christian Church, 1250 Nyssa Street). Basic Training classes are usually scheduled twice per year, in the Spring and Fall. Basic Training is conducted jointly with the Lane Community College Campus CERT program, and graduates are dual enrolled in that program. Basic Training is usually announced a few weeks in advance, but do not follow a set schedule.
NIMS / ICSThe Incident Command System (ICS) is part of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), which is a framework developed by FEMA in order to facilitate a multi-agency response to minor and major disasters.
NIMS/ICS is required by many professional first response agencies in order to ensure an effective response and to maintain NIMS compliance. ICS courses are also required for various levels within our CERT program. Much of NIMS/ICS training can be taken online, complete with a printable certificate upon completion of the course. Students will need to register for a FEMA SID number if they don't have one already (it's free). Links to the courses can be found below. Ham Radio CommunicationAmateur radio, or ham, can be a critical component of disaster response operations. We encourage all emergency response personnel and CERT volunteers to become certified as ham radio operators. For those interested in developing their ham radio skills further, C.A.A. EMCOMM is an auxiliary to IMOS and focuses on communications. Interested CERTs have the ability to become cross-trained as EMCOMM CERTs.
CERT SupportCERT Support is a category of CERT membership for those that want to participate in the CERT program, but do not want to serve in a front-line capacity. CERT Support personnel provide logistics, outreach, and other functions that support front-line operations. They still have to meet the same training requirements and qualifications as front-line CERT personnel, but when deployed only fulfill support roles.
CERT InstructorsC.A.A. CERT staffs certified CERT Instructors. Our instructors are available to train any one of the individual sections of the CERT Basic Training, or conduct an entire Basic Training for interested businesses, agencies, and the community. All C.A.A. CERT Instructors are part of the Training Solutions International CERT Instructor Cadre. Becoming a CERT Instructor isn't easy, Instructors are held to very high standards. But being an Instructor can be very rewarding and provides an opportunity to pass on skills and knowledge to new CERTs and even other CERT programs. For more information on becoming a CERT Instructor please click here to go to the TSI CERT Training Program web page.
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Membership Details
CERT Basic Training
All CERTs go through a Basic CERT Training that is comprised of modules focusing on topics relevant to disaster response. The Basic CERT Training culminates in participation in a mock disaster drill where all the skills are put together in one exercise. Basic Training includes modules on:
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CERT Program Rank and Structure
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CERT Program Manager / Assistant CERT Program Manager
The CERT Program Manager can also be the Program Manager for the Rapid Response Team, but if separately designated is typically a dedicated Commissioned Officer appointed or approved by the Branch Director of Emergency Response. Their responsibilities include appointing Program Coordinators, defining and managing CERT policy and procedures, as well as representing the program to command staff and the Board of Directors. Minimum Requirements:
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CPM
ACPM
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CERT Program Coordinator / Assistant CERT Program Coordinator
CERT Program Coordinators are typically ranking Rapid Response Team Unit Commanders, but can be a separate Rated or CERT member appointed by the RRT or CERT chain of command. Among their responsibilities include management and administration of CERT units in a designated geographical area, as well as appointing leaders and representing the program. Program Coordinators additionally may deploy alongside the CERT units they manage to lead and coordinate response operations. Minimum Requirements: Program Coordinator
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CPC
ACPC
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CERT Instructor
CERT Instructors are RRT, Rated personnel, or CERT members who have been vetted and approved as CERT Instructors through TSI. CERT Instructors are part of the TSI CERT Instructor Cadre and must wear the TSI Instructor uniform and Insignia. (Insignia is worn on the shoulder of uniforms) Minimum Requirements:
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CERT Commander / Assistant CERT Commander
CERT Commanders are responsible for a CERT Battalion containing 2 or more CERT Companies, as well as overseeing the operations of the CERT program within a specific geographical area. This includes arranging meetings and training, supervising CERT Captains, and assisting Program Coordinators. Minimum Requirements:
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CC
ACC
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CERT Captain / Assistant CERT Captain
CERT Captains are responsible for a CERT Company containing 2 or more CERT Crews, and are assigned under a CERT Commander. Captains can temporarily assume Commander positions if Commanders are unavailable. Minimum Requirements:
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CCA
ACCA
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CERT Crew Leader / Assistant CERT Crew Leader
CERT Crew Leaders are responsible for a CERT Crew containing 2 or more CERT Squads, and are assigned under a CERT Captain. Crew Leaders can temporarily assume Captain positions if Captains are unavailable. Minimum Requirements:
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CCL
ACCL
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CERT Squad Leader / Assistant CERT Squad Leader
CERT Squad Leaders are responsible for a CERT Squad consisting of 2 or more CERT Teams, and are assigned under a CERT Crew Leader. Squad Leaders can temporarily assume Crew Leader positions if Crew Leaders are unavailable. Minimum Requirements:
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CSL
ACSL
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CERT Team Leader / Assistant CERT Team Leader
CERT Team Leaders are responsible for a CERT Team consisting of 2 CERTs, Assistant Team Leader, and Team Leader; and are assigned under a Squad Leader. Additionally, Team Leaders can temporarily assume Squad Leader positions if Squad Leaders are unavailable. Minimum Requirements:
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CTL
ACTL
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CERT 4
CERT 4’s are the most advanced non-leadership CERT level and are next in line for leadership positions when they become available. CERT 4’s have the basic level of training, but are further advanced ICS certified. Requirements:
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CER4
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CERT 3
CERT 3’s have the basic level of training, but are additionally advanced ICS certified. Requirements:
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CER3
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CERT 2
CERT 2’s have the basic level of training, but are additionally ham radio certified and further ICS certified. Requirements:
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CER2
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CERT 1
CERT 1’s are the basic level CERT that is able to deploy. Requirements:
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CER1
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ANY CERT THAT BECOMES CERT-1 OR HIGHER IS ISSUED AN IMPROVED VEST AND BACKPACK
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CERT 0
CERT 0’s are those that have not completed the Basic CERT training or are currently going through it; and/or have not completed the basic ICS 100, 200, and 700 courses; and/or have not completed the application and background check process. Requirements: -Cannot deploy |
CER0
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CERT Program Structure Details
- New CERT members receive a basic CERT kit during Basic CERT Training. Upon completing the requirements to become deployable (and attaining a rank of CERT 1 or higher) they are issued an improved CERT Vest and Backpack.
- CERT personnel are required to wear their CERT uniform T-shirts and insignia for all official events and deployments. Field gear including vest, helmet, and backpack is required to be worn for all deployments, or when required.
- CERT members must pay an initial apparel fee to cover the cost of their CERT T-shirt and CERT insignia. All other equipment beyond that is issued and must be returned upon leaving the program, including the basic CERT gear kit. CERT members have the option of purchasing their equipment if they wish to keep it upon leaving the program.
- CERT ranks, insignia, and credentials are only assigned to personnel that are full members of the C.A.A. CERT program.
- C.A.A. Teen CERT follows the same basic structure as regular C.A.A. CERT, utilizing the same requirements for each rank level, and with each rank level serving a similar function within Teen CERT. Teen CERT does differ from regular CERT in a couple of ways however: The word “Teen” is added to all Teen CERT ranks and the highest attainable rank is Teen CERT Captain; and the C.A.A. Teen CERT logo replaces the regular C.A.A. CERT logo on all rank badges, patches, and program insignia. Teen CERT is the CERT equivalent of the Cadet Program and is regulated by the Cadet Program in regards to policies and practices. Teen CERT is open to any teen between the ages of 14 and 19; however mature 13 year olds may also be admitted. Teen CERT members have the option of transitioning to a regular CERT at the age of 18, or may continue until they age out on their 20th birthday. Teens that transition to a regular CERT assume a CERT rank equivalent to their level of training and experience.
- Personnel requiring ICS 300, 400, and/or CERT Program Manager may be authorized a time allowance to complete the training due to limited availability of these courses.
Active CERT Units
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CERT Team 1CERT Team 1 is a Community Emergency Response Team unit based in Sector 2. The unit is part of Emergency Response Force 1 in Sector 2. The unit is comprised of non-rated volunteer CERT personnel and works closely with the Rapid Response Team program in Sector 2.
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Uniforms of CERT
CERT primarily wears only Red T-shirts with regular street clothes as their uniform, but when in full uniform they wear tops in Forest Green over their Red T-shirts and Black pants (Variant of Color Type 5). Uniforms commonly worn by CERT include:
CERT Service Uniform Class B
CERT Service Uniform Class C
Administrative Uniform with Red Polo and Black Pants Class C
CERT Service Uniform Class D (Standard uniform for most CERT activities)
CERT units are deployable, but consist primarily of community volunteers rather than Rated personnel, so they typically require Type 5 or greater hygiene and appearance requirements. CERT hygiene requirements include the stipulation that hair and facial hair must be practical for disaster response type activities and any CERT in a role that requires a mask or respirator must be clean shaven.
Type 2.5 or greater hygiene and appearance requirements is typically required for any Rated personnel assigned to the CERT program.
CERT Service Uniform Class B
CERT Service Uniform Class C
Administrative Uniform with Red Polo and Black Pants Class C
CERT Service Uniform Class D (Standard uniform for most CERT activities)
CERT units are deployable, but consist primarily of community volunteers rather than Rated personnel, so they typically require Type 5 or greater hygiene and appearance requirements. CERT hygiene requirements include the stipulation that hair and facial hair must be practical for disaster response type activities and any CERT in a role that requires a mask or respirator must be clean shaven.
Type 2.5 or greater hygiene and appearance requirements is typically required for any Rated personnel assigned to the CERT program.