Community Emergency Response Training (CERT)

The Community Emergency Response Training 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 CERT training learned in the classroom and during exercises, individuals can assist others in their neighborhood, workplace or school following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.

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.

Naturals for the training are neighborhood watch, community organizations, communities of faith, school staff, workplace employees, scouting organizations and other groups that come together regularly for a common purpose but individuals who are not affiliated with a group may also take the course to learn skills that are useful in disaster and everyday life events.