Community Emergency Response Team

There is no cost for this training, only a commitment to volunteer as part of this team.

CERT Training will teach participants to:

1. Describe the types of hazards most likely to affect their homes and communities.
2. Describe the function of CERT and their roles in immediate response.
3. Take steps to prepare themselves, their families, and their neighbors for a disaster.
4. Identify and reduce potential fire hazards in their homes and workplaces.
5. Work as a team to apply basic fire suppression strategies, resources, and safety measures to extinguish a burning liquid.
6. Apply techniques for opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating shock.
7. Conduct triage under simulated conditions.
8. Perform head-to-toe assessments.
9. Select and set up treatment area.
10. Employ basic treatments for various wounds.
11. Identify planning and size-up requirements for potential search and rescue situations.
12. Describe the most common techniques for searching a structure.
13. Use safe techniques for debris removal and victim extrication.
14. Describe ways to protect rescuers during search and rescue.
15. Identify actions to take following a suspected terrorism event.

CERT Brochure

Application to Participate in Community Emergency Response Team Program

Memorandum of Understanding for Participation

Completed applications and a signed Memorandum of Understanding can be emailed to: rkos@pulaskicounty.org

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, using the model created by the Los Angeles City Fire Department, began promoting nationwide use of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) concept in 1994. Since then, CERTs have been established in hundreds of communities throughout the Nation.

CERT training promotes a partnering effort between fire, rescue, and emergency services and the citizens and businesses that they serve. The goal is for fire, rescue, and emergency services personnel to train members of neighborhoods, community organizations, and/or workplaces in basic preparedness and response skills. CERT members are then integrated into the emergency response capability for their area.

If a disastrous event overwhelms or delays the community’s emergency response capabilities, CERT members can assist others within their area by applying the basic response and organizational skills that they have learned through their training. The knowledge and skills gained through CERT training may help to save and/or sustain lives and property following a disaster until additional help can arrive. CERT skills may also be applied to daily emergencies.

CERT members maintain and refine their skills by participating in exercises and activities. They can attend supplemental training opportunities offered by the Pulaski County Department of Emergency Management that enhance their knowledge and skills. Finally, CERT members may be asked to assist with projects that enhance the CERT program and/or improve the communities emergency preparedness knowledge, skills, and abilities.