CERT Program Overview
What CERT is:
- Community-Based:
CERT programs are local and community-based, meaning they are designed to help residents of a specific area prepare for and respond to disasters that might affect their community.
- Training:
CERT training provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to assist their families, neighbors, and coworkers in the immediate aftermath of a disaster when professional responders may not be available.
What you'll learn in CERT training:
- Disaster Preparedness: Learn about potential hazards in your area and how to prepare for them.
- Fire Safety: Learn basic fire safety skills, including how to extinguish small fires and prevent them from spreading.
- Light Search and Rescue: Learn how to safely search for and rescue victims in a disaster situation.
- Disaster Medical Operations: Learn basic first aid and medical skills, including how to treat injuries and provide basic medical care.
- Team Organization: Learn how to organize and work effectively as a team during a disaster.
- Disaster Psychology: Learn about the psychological effects of disasters and how to help others cope with stress.
- Other Skills: You may also learn about utility control, hazard identification, and disaster intelligence collection.
How to get involved:
- Find your local CERT program: Contact your local fire department, emergency management agency, or city council to find out if they have a CERT program and how to join.
- Take the training: CERT training is typically free and requires approximately 20-30 hours of training.
- Become a volunteer: Once you complete the training, you can become a CERT volunteer and help your community in the event of a disaster.
About Prince George’s County CERT
In 2004 under the guidance of the Prince George’s County Office of Homeland Security, the first Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) was started in the City of Laurel, Maryland. To date, 7,315 adults and 1,061 teens have been trained as CERT members. The 22 basic hours of CERT training is comprised of Disaster Preparedness, Fire Safety and Utility Control, Disaster Medical Operations Part I and II, Light Search and Rescue Operations, Disaster Psychology, CERT Organization, and Terrorism and CERT. The course closes with a Course Review and Disaster Simulation Exercise.
For interest in CERT training please complete the CERT Interest Form at this link: Cert Interest Form
Teen CERT
CERT in Action
Campus CERT
As a teen, there are probably a lot of things you’re told you can’t do. But there is one very important thing you can do: Learn to protect yourself, your family, and your friends in case of disaster.
Campus CERT
CERT in Action
Campus CERT
A Campus CERT program can support and enhance existing capabilities and CERT volunteers can participate in efforts to increase the preparedness and resilience of the on-campus community.
CERT in Action
CERT in Action
CERT in Action
This short video offers a detailed look at the experience on a Community Emergency Response Team.