Before, during and after disasters, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteer teams perform basic response activities, including checking in on neighbors, distributing information to the public, supporting emergency operations centers, and helping to manage traffic and crowds. Local CERT programs train and organize teams of volunteers to assist their families, neighbors, co-workers, and other community members.
Following the curriculum and guidelines from FEMA, CERT basic training covers skills that are important to know in a disaster when emergency services are not available. With training and practice, and by working as a team, you will be able to protect yourself and maximize your capability to help for the greatest number of people after a disaster.
Our CERT basic training is free and open to anyone interested in learning how to serve the community before, during and after a disaster. Teens are encouraged to sign up! Teens aged 13-17 need written permission from their parent or guardian, and youths between 11-12 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all trainings and events.
The training is eight weeks, with classes on Sunday afternoons from 4-7 p.m. at Blakely Hall. All classes and the final disaster simulation are mandatory. If you miss a session, you must make it up with another CERT training program in order to pass the class.
Space is limited, so please register only if you are committed to completing the training. If you have any questions, please reach out to info@ihcouncil.org.