Southern Nevada CERT

General Information

Following a major disaster, professional-first responders providing fire, police, and medical services will not be able to meet the demand for these services. The number of victims, communication failures and road blockages will prevent people from accessing emergency services they have come to expect at a moment's notice through 911. People will have to rely on each other for help in order to meet their immediate life-saving and life-sustaining needs.

History has taught us that under these kinds of conditions, family members, fellow employees and neighbors will spontaneously try to help each other. This was the case following Hurricane Hugo, the Loma Prieta Earthquake and the Mexico City earthquake where untrained, spontaneous volunteers saved 800 people. However, 100 people lost their lives while attempting to save others. This is a high price to pay and is preventable through training.

We know that government emergency services will not meet immediate needs following a major disaster, especially if there is no warning as in an earthquake. We know people will attempt to assist those in need and spontaneously volunteer. What then should government do to prepare citizens?

First, present citizens the facts about what to expect following a major disaster in terms of immediate services. Second, communicate the message about their responsibility for mitigation and preparedness. Third, train them - in needed life-saving skills - with emphasis on decision making skills, rescuer safety and doing the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Fourth, organize teams so that trained citizens are an extension of first responder services offering immediate help to victims until professional services arrive.

The city of Las Vegas, Office of Emergency Management provides training and coordination for the Southern Nevada Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. The Southern Nevada CERT program encompasses  Clark, Esmeralda, Lincoln and parts of Nye Counties. CERT training includes disaster preparedness, fire suppression, medical operations, light search and rescue, team organization, weapons of mass destruction/terrorism and disaster psychology.

For more information contact:

Malik Redmond

Southern Nevada CERT Program Coordinator

702-229-2516, [email protected]

Irene Cedillo

Volunteer Program Coordinator

702-229-2608, [email protected]

Guy DeMarco

Southern Nevada CERT Marketing and Promotions Specialist

702-229-6794, [email protected]

3V for Vital, Vocal, Volunteers!

If you have completed Southern Nevada Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course to apply for the CERT 3V Program. If you are ready to engage in any of these volunteer opportunities, please complete the Volunteer Interest Form to be considered for an interview. Interest forms will be evaluated in January and July, providing current volunteers ample time to adjust to their new roles. This interval between recruitment will act as a crucial transition period, bridging the gap between completing basic CERT training and becoming a fully inducted CERT 3V member. This period will be an exciting opportunity, as refresher skill sessions and a full-scale exercise will be available to ensure you’re well-prepared for the full commitment ahead.

Southern Nevada CERT 3Vs (Vital, Vocal, Volunteers) are not first responders and do not typically arrive first at emergency scenes. They undergo regular training to improve their response skills, enabling them to effectively support first responders and agencies during times of heightened need and when called upon. During periods between emergencies, the CERT 3Vs play a crucial role in promoting community-wide preparedness education, and focusing on first responder agencies and organizations committed to enhancing preparedness at outreach events.

Volunteers may participate in non-emergency situations, such as: disaster exercise support; community outreach; public safety education; animal disaster preparedness; neighbor check-Ins; and administrative support. In an emergency situation volunteers may work in: neighborhood fire suppresssion; search and rescue; mass care; donation management; traffic and crowd control; and more.

As an affiliated, trained volunteer with the Southern Nevada 3V Program, you will be a trusted source of support to Southern Nevada response agencies. Our grant funding requires all affiliated volunteers to agree to a background check, fingerprint and drug test. Both in-person and online training also is required.

For additional information, please review the Frequently Asked Questions. Have more questions? Email nvcert@lasvegasnevada.gov or call 702.229.2608.

CERT programs are now in all 50 states, including many tribal nations and U.S. territories. The city of Las Vegas is part of the over 3,200 local CERT programs nationwide and you are one of the 600,000+ members trained since CERT became a national program in 1993.