CERT MOVING AHEAD IN PUERTO RICO
Josué Díaz, Voluntary Agency Liaison, FEMA

In the solemn environment of the churches, municipal facilities or universities auditoriums, you can see the CERT program trainers in action sharing their expertise to their students, while enjoying every session performed.  Among the students, they have trained teachers, college professors, administrative workers, engineers, college students, clergy, etc.

The establishment of the CERT program has been quite successful in Puerto Rico reaching various communities and sectors in the island.  For example, in the East coast town of Naguabo, one hundred and eight leaders and pastors of the United Church of Christ completed the CERT training.  Among the participants were also lay people whose jobs cover a wide variety of careers enabling them to be trained and available should an emergency occur outside of their churches location.

Everyone knows that when an emergency strikes a community, the Community Based and Faith Based Organizations (CBOs & FBOs) are among the first-responders.  Thus, their participation in the CERT program is vital.  Not only have seventy- seven CBOs and FBOs members completed the CERT in the town of Juncos, but there several leaders from Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOADs) are certified CERT trainers among them, as well.

The success of the CERT program in Puerto Rico has been possible due to the participation of people eager to help their communities, and to the full support of the PR State Emergency Management Agency (PRSEMA), which has invested time and key human resources. 

As of today, the CERT program has produced one hundred thirty “Train the Trainer” certified residents.  One thousand seven hundred and fifty two residents of Puerto Rico have completed the training.  Looking ahead, CERT trainings will continue in November, geared towards municipal governments and the private industry, as well. 

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