CERT

People who go through CERT training have a better understanding of the potential threats to their home, workplace, and community. They have been trained to commence activities that will lessen the effects of a variety of hazards on themselves, their homes, and their workplace. If a disaster happens that overwhelms local response capability, CERT members can apply the training learned in the classroom and during exercises to give critical support to loved ones, neighbors, and associates in their immediate area until help arrives.

Local government prepares for everyday emergencies; however, there may be an emergency or disaster that can overwhelm the community’s immediate response capability. 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.