Administered by the Garden Grove Police Department, the Garden Grove Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a volunteer organization trained in disaster preparedness and life-saving skills.

Our Program

During a catastrophic event or disaster, the City’s emergency services may be delayed or overwhelmed, potentially leaving neighborhoods and businesses to provide their own basic life safety support until professional responders arrive. As a trained CERT member, you will have the knowledge and skills to help your family, friends and community, as well as assist first responders.

Members are trained to prepare for, respond to and recover from a disaster. When activated, CERT members can help augment first responders by performing such duties as damage assessments, welfare checks on elderly and at risk residents, shelter support, emergency communications and amateur (HAM) radio support, as well as responsibilities in the City Emergency Operation Center (EOC) and other tasks as requested by City emergency responders.

Garden Grove CERT Volunteers

Beyond Disasters

In addition to disaster preparedness, members are called upon to assist with numerous community programs and events in the city, including food distributions, City Hall docent duties, City Council meeting registration, and first-aid support at special events.

CERT members bring varied professional backgrounds and unique skill sets which contribute to the support of program administration and community outreach needs.

Virtual CERT Sessions

CERT Training

The CERT Training Academy is held twice a year and uses a nationally recognized 20-hour curriculum approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In addition to the required training, CERT members are also certified in CPR and first aid. After the CERT training, the City will offer a CPR/AED/First Aid certification class.

As a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, and Citizen Corps, the curriculum trains participants in basic disaster response skills:

  • Identify and anticipate hazards in the community
  • Reduce fire hazards in the home and workplace
  • Extinguish small fires
  • Assist emergency responders
  • Conduct light search and rescue operations
  • Set up medical treatment areas
  • Provide disaster first aid
  • Help reduce survivor stress

After completing the 20 hours and a short online FEMA course, members are recognized as program graduates and receive a certificate of completion, a CERT T-shirt and vest, and sworn in as Disaster Service Workers. Additional training opportunities for advanced courses are provided on an annual basis to those who wish to become further involved in community-wide emergency preparedness efforts and CERT leadership team.

***As of 2024, we are also accepting minors 14 yrs+ (accompanied by a legal guardian).

Upcoming Events

2024 CERT Academy

Date and Time
Thursday, February 8th, 6pm-9pm
Thursday, February 15th, 6pm-9pm
Thursday, February 22th, 6pm-9pm
Saturday, February 24th, 9am-1pm

Location
TBD

Cost
Free

Registration
To register, fill out the application at GG 2024 CERT Academy Application. Registration deadline is Thursday, February 1, 2024.

Sworn Disaster Service Workers

Become a Member

The Garden Grove CERT program is open to all Garden Grove residents and business owners, 18 years of age or older.

If you're interested in becoming a certified Garden Grove CERT member please create an account at:

Create GG CERT Account Using MyImpactPage.com

Questions can be emailed to cert@ggcity.org.