Become a Community First Responder!
Be part of an organized team to protect and save families in our community during times of need.
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates community members about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact local areas and provides training in basic disaster response skills. These include 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:
- Basic triage.
- Basic first-aid/CPR
- Small fire suppression.
- Light urban search and rescue.
- Basic wilderness search and rescue.
- Use safe techniques for debris removal and victim extrication.
- Describe ways to protect rescuers during search and rescue.
Criteria for Joining:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Complete CERT application
- Pass background check
- Complete CERT training program
