Become a Community First Responder!
Be part of an organized team to protect and save families in our community during times of need or disaster.
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates individuals about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact our area and provides training in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist other town residents, civic groups or employers following an event when professional responders may not be immediately available. CERT members are also encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in the community.
The CERT Program is free! The 20-hour training program is taught over eight classes. Instructors are emergency responders, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and law enforcement personnel and others from the community. The course covers: Preparedness for Disasters, Fire Safety, Medical Operations, Light Search and Rescue, CERT Organization, Disaster Psychology, CERT Terrorism, and a team exercise and graduation.
CERT Training will teach participants to:
- Describe the types most likely to affect your homes and communities.
- Describe the function of CERT and their roles in immediate response.
- Take steps to prepare themselves and family members for a disaster.
- Identify and reduce potential fire hazards in your homes and workplaces.
- Work as a team to apply basic fire suppression strategies, resources, and safety measures to extinguish a burning liquid.
- Apply techniques for opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating shock.
- Conduct triage under simulated conditions.
- Perform head to toe medical assessments.
- Select and set up treatment area.
- Employ basic treatments for various wounds.
- Plan and participate safely in rural search and rescue operations.
- become familiar with the most common techniques for searching a structure during urban search and rescue.
- Use safe techniques for debris removal and victim extrication.
- Describe ways to protect rescuers during search and rescue.
How can you join the team?
- Be at least 18 years old
- Complete CERT application
- Pass background check
- Complete CERT training program
