Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Following a major disaster, first responders who provide fire and medical services may not be able to meet the heavy demand for these services. People will have to rely on themselves and each other for help in meeting immediate life-saving and life-sustaining needs. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program trains individuals, families, businesses, neighborhood and housing associations, school staff, and other groups to prepare them to take an active volunteer role in providing critical support to their families and their neighbors during the critical few days immediately after a disaster occurs.