Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

The CERT Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, including fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using classroom and exercise-based training, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace when professional responders are not immediately available. CERT members are also encouraged to support local agencies by taking an active role in preparedness projects across the community.

CERT – Local Contact

What is CERT?

After a disaster, responders can be overwhelmed and public services may be delayed. Historically, most initial rescues are performed by nearby residents and coworkers. CERT organizes and trains volunteers to operate safely and effectively at the neighborhood level, prepared to be self-sustaining for up to 72 hours.

When disaster strikes, CERT volunteers check on neighbors, suppress small fires, conduct light urban search and rescue, provide basic medical aid and psychological support, and help organize spontaneous volunteers. CERTs may also deploy to assist in other areas when requested.

Training Overview

CERT Basic Training is typically ~20 hours of classroom and hands-on instruction delivered by subject-matter experts (firefighters, EMTs, building safety personnel). Teams often train together by neighborhood, workplace, school, faith- based or civic group.

CERT Curriculum

Unit 1: Disaster Preparedness
Prepare yourself and your neighborhood for local hazards; understand CERT’s role.

• Identify hazards likely to affect your home/community.
• Describe CERT functions and immediate response roles.
• List practical steps to prepare yourself and your household.

Unit 2: Disaster Fire Suppression
Use extinguishers and safe strategies to suppress small fires.

• Reduce potential fire hazards at home or work.
• Apply basic fire suppression as a team using safe practices.

Unit 3: Disaster Medical Operations (Part 1)
Triage, treatment areas, and lifesaving first aid.

• Recognize and treat the “killers.”
• Open airways, control bleeding, treat shock.
• Conduct triage under simulated conditions.

Unit 4: Disaster Medical Operations (Part 2)

• Perform head-to-toe assessments; set up treatment areas.
• Provide wound care; manage fractures, sprains, strains.
• Apply basic public health measures post-disaster.

Unit 5: Light Search & Rescue Operations
Size-up, search techniques, safe debris removal, and extrication.

• Plan and size-up search/rescue situations.
• Search structures using common, safe techniques.
• Protect rescuers while removing debris and extricating victims.

Unit 6: Disaster Psychology & Team Organization
Team structure, documentation, and stress management.

• Recognize the post-disaster emotional environment.
• Reduce stress for survivors and responders.
• Organize teams and complete essential documentation.

Unit 7: Terrorism & All-Hazards Awareness

• Awareness of biological, radiological/nuclear, incendiary, chemical, and explosive (BRICE) threats.

Unit 8: Disaster Exercise

• Operate as a team in a realistic exercise to apply skills learned.