The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community

The Brooklyn Community Board 2 CERT was formed in March 2006 after an intensive 11-week course on disaster preparedness and basic response skills provided by the New York City Office of Emergency Management (NYC OEM). NYC OEM's goal was to establish at least one CERT team in each of the 59 Community Boards around New York City. As a result, the borders of Brooklyn CB2 CERT are the same as those of Brooklyn Community Board 2.

The team consists of local volunteers who represent a diverse group of neighborhoods, including: Bridge Plaza, Brooklyn Heights, Boerum Hill, Clinton Hill, DUMBO, Fort Greene, Fulton Ferry, Fulton Mall, the Downtown Business District, Metrotech, Atlantic Center, Renaissance Plaza, and the Brooklyn Navy Yard.