What is a Community Emergency Response Team?

• A “CERT” is a group of people that is organized and receives special training that enhances their ability to recognize, respond to, and recover from a major emergency or disaster situation.

• The CERT is organized under the leadership of the local jurisdiction.

• They are trained by emergency responders and emergency management personnel in areas that will help them take care of themselves and others before, during, and after a major emergency.

• As an organized team, they can provide vital services in the absence of emergency responders, whose arrival may be delayed due to the scope of the event.

• When a major emergency overwhelms normally available resources, response delays of hours or even days may occur; someone with “basic skills training” should be able to immediately assist those in distress.