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1. What is CERT?

Purpose

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as: 

• Disaster medical operations
• Disaster preparedness
• Fire suppression
• Light search and rescue
• Psychology
• Team organization
• Terrorism

Services

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. C.ER.T. members are activated and utilized during emergencies and non- emergencies if they volunteer to be.

2. Why take the CERT training?

Reasons

Local government prepares for everyday emergencies. However, there can be an emergency or disaster that can overwhelm the community's immediate response capability. While adjacent jurisdictions, State and Federal resources can activate to help, there may be a delay for them 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.

3. Who can take the training?

Training

Naturals for the training are groups that come together regularly for a common purpose including: 

• Communities of faith
• Community organizations
• Neighborhood watch
• School staff
• Scouting organization
• Workplace employees

Benefits

CERT skills are useful in disaster and everyday life events.