The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program helps train people to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities. When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community.

The CERT course is taught in the community by a trained team of first responders who have completed a CERT Train-the-Trainer course conducted by their state training office for emergency management, or FEMA's Emergency Management Institute (EMI), located in Emmitsburg, Maryland. CERT training includes disaster preparedness, disaster fire suppression, basic disaster medical operations, and light search and rescue operations.

Participants are encouraged to attend all 5 sessions, if possible. Those who complete all five sessions will receive a certificate. Those who complete may also be invited to apply for membership as a CERT Team Volunteer (subject to a background check). The training provides practical information with hands-on applications for disaster preparedness, disaster medical operations, beginning first aid and triage, fire suppression, and light search and rescue. Participants will practice using a fire extinguisher, sizing up a disaster situation, splinting, rescue evacuation and more.

If you would like more information about CERT or to join, contact Pamela Boody at 989.831.3538.