What is CERT?

If a major disaster hits, do you …

  • Have enough supplies for a minimum of 72 hours up to an entire month for all family members, including pets?
  • Know how to turn off the gas?
  • Know how to safely turn off the power?
  • Know how to apply first aid?
  • Have enough water for all of your family and your pets?
  • Have provisions for living outside your home for a length of time if the structure is compromised?

It is important to know, if a major disaster occurs, the Police, Paramedics & Fire Company…WILL NOT COME!  They will be deployed FIRST to major incidents. That is why you constantly hear…You MUST be prepared to take care of yourself.  In the CERT course they say…“The Greatest Good for the Greatest Number of People.”  When you are trained, you are far more equipped to deal with your circumstances without needing aid from outside sources.

CERT educates individuals about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as:

  • Fire Safety
  • Light Search and Rescue
  • Team Organization
  • Disaster Medical Operations  

You will learn how to prepare for emergencies, what supplies you should NOW have in your house, how much food, how much water but most importantly, how to protect your family in an emergency!  Using training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT volunteers can assist others in their community following a disaster when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT volunteers are also encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking an active role in emergency preparedness projects.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is an all-risk, all-hazard training. This valuable course is designed to help you protect yourself, your family, your neighbors and your neighborhood in an emergency situation.

CERT members receive 17 1/2 hours (one day a week for seven weeks) of initial training.

CERT is provided FREE of charge within Delaware County to anyone 18 or over.

For more information or any questions, please fill out an application form here