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• History of CERT
• View brochure and registration form or
• Just the registration form (pdf)

The original concept of CERT was born out of the massive 8.1 earthquake and 7.5 aftershock that devastated Mexico in late September of 1985. After the quake, research conducted by the Los Angeles Fire Department and other L.A. city officials concluded that more than 100 people perished as a result of attempts to rescue others directly affected by the disaster.

It was proposed by LAFD that if ordinary citizens could be given some basic information on how to help themselves, their families and their neighbors during and immediately following any type of disaster, that more lives could be saved. Click here for more historical details.

As a county, we want to be prepared to face any situation that might affect our way of life. The, blizzard of 1997, floods of 1999, the Ellicott Tornado, the Hayman Fire and events of September 11th, demonstrate how important it is for us to prepare to take care of ourselves, our families and neighbors.

The President has asked all counties in the United States to create a program that will support law enforcement fire services and other emergency service personnel, and help citizens to be self-sufficient during the first critical 72 hours immediately following any type of disaster, whether natural or human-caused.

Sheriff Terry Maketa has directed the Emergency Services Division of the Sheriff’s Office to design and implement the above programs to accomplish the goal of enhancing the safety for all citizens of El Paso County.

It’s time to take control, and CERT can help.

Please click on the CERT graphics at the top of this page for more program information or to attend one of our quarterly meetings.  CERT community meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of Jan, April, July, and Oct.  Meetings are held at 101 W. Costilla Street in the Emergency Operations Center.  Each meeting will include a topic of instruction as follows: 11 April (Hazmat Awareness); 11 July (Avian Flu); 10 October (El Paso County Volunteer Organizations that support Emergency Preparedness Operations).