What is the Community Emergency Response Team?
A Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a training program that prepares you, your family and your neighbors in the event of a disaster.
Why Do We Need CERT?
Following a major disaster, first responders who provide fire and medical services will not be able to meet the demand for these emergency services. Factors as the number of victims, communication failures, and road blockages will prevent citizens from accessing emergency services they have come to expect at a moment's notice through 9-1-1. Citizens will have to rely on each other for help in order to meet their immediate life saving and life sustaining needs.
How You Can Help
The 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 taught in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when public safety personnel are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to take a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community. By getting trained in CERT, you will have the skills to help emergency responders save lives and protect property.