How does CERT benefit the community?

People who go through Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training have a better understanding of the potential threats to their home, workplace, and community and can take the right steps to lessen the effects of these hazards on themselves, their homes, or 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 their family, loved ones, neighbors, or associates in their immediate area until help arrives. When help does arrive, CERTs provide useful information to responders and support their efforts, as directed, at the disaster site. CERT members can also assist with non-emergency projects that improve the safety of the community. CERTs have been used to:

  • Distribute and/or install smoke alarms
  • Replace smoke alarm batteries in the home of elderly
  • Distribute disaster education material
  • Provide services at special events, such as parades, sporting events, concerts, and more

Show All Answers

1. What is CERT?
2. How does CERT benefit the community?
3. How do I take CERT training?
4. Is there a CERT near me?
5. How do we start a CERT program?
6. How is CERT funded?
7. Who can take the training?
8. Can someone under age 18 participate?
9. What if I have concerns about my age or physical ability?
10. Why take the CERT training?
11. How do CERT members maintain their skills?
12. What if I want to do more than just the basic training?
13. What about liability?