The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. CERT offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations, which allows them to focus on more complex tasks. Through CERT, the capabilities to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters is built and enhanced.

CERT volunteers are trained to respond safely, responsibly, and effectively to emergency situations and to assist first responders, but they can also support their communities during non-emergency events as well. There are over 2,700 local CERT programs nationwide, with more than 600,000 individuals trained since CERT became a national program.

FEMA’s Community Emergency Response Team Program trains volunteers to prepare for the types of disasters that their community may face. Through hands-on practice and realistic exercises, CERT members:

  • Learn how to safely respond to manmade and natural hazards

  • Help organize basic disaster response

  • Promote preparedness by hosting and participating in community events

2019 Events we have participated in

January 15th, 2019  – OSU Mansfield Student Lost – Called to Activate – Person Located before deployment

January 21st, 2019  –   Opened a Warming Center in United Way/ Red Cross Building – Staffed from 6pm to 8am

January 29 – 31, 2019   Opened a Warming Center at Salvation Army / Dewald Center – Staffed from 6pm – 7am 
               29 – 30, 2019   Opened a Warming Center at Shelby YMCA – Staffed from 10pm – 5am
                                             11 Volunteers @ 193 hrs 
                                             Donations made through CERT, Salvation Army, EMA, Red Cross and several Anonymous Donors

April 14th 2019                 Shelby Tornado  Assisted in security for businesses on SR39
April 15th – 19th                Damage Assessment for Richland County EMA