What is CERT?

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates citizens about disaster preparedness that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as: 

• Disaster medical operations

• Disaster preparedness

• Fire suppression

• Light search and rescue

• Psychology

• Team organization

• Terrorism

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 can be activated and utilized during emergencies and non-emergencies.

Why take the CERT training?

The primary reason for CERT training is to give people the decision-making, organizational, and practical skills to offer immediate assistance to family members, neighbors, and associates while waiting for help. While people will respond to others in need without the training, the goal of the CERT program is to help people do so effectively and efficiently without placing themselves in unnecessary danger.

Who can take the training?

Natural choices for the training are groups that come together regularly for a common purpose including: 

• Communities of faith

• Community organizations

• Neighborhood watch

• School staff

• Scouting organizations

• Workplace employees

CERT skills are useful during times of disaster and for everyday life events.