
What is CERT?
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.
How does CERT benefit
the community?
People who go through CERT training have
a better understanding of the potential
threats to their home, workplace and
community and can take the right steps to
lessen the effects of these hazards on
themselves, their homes or workplace. If a
disaster happens that overwhelms local
response capability, CERT members can
apply the training learned in the
classroom and during exercises to give
critical support to their family, loved
ones, neighbors or associates in their
immediate area until help arrives. When
help does arrive, CERTs pro-vide useful
information to responders and sup-port
their response efforts. CERT members can
also assist with non-emergency projects
that improve the safety of the community.
CERTs have been used to distribute smoke
alarms, replace smoke alarm batteries in
the homes of the elderly, distribute
disaster education material, provide
services at special events, such as
parades, sporting events, concerts, fairs
and more.
Why take the CERT
training?
Local government prepares for everyday
emergencies. However, there can be an
emergency or disaster that may overwhelm
the community's immediate response
capability. While adjacent jurisdictions,
or State and Federal re-sources may be
activated to help, there will likely be a
delay in getting to those who need them.
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.
Do you have what it takes to be a CERT
volunteer? Contact
us to learn more.
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