Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training prepares people to respond effectively to emergencies and disasters that may affect their communities. Participants learn essential skills including:
- Disaster Preparedness: Understanding potential hazards and how to prepare for them
- Fire Safety: Techniques for fire suppression and safety measures
- Search and Rescue: Light search and rescue operations to assist in locating and helping victims
- Medical Operations: Basic first aid and disaster medical response
- Team Organization: Coordinating efforts within a community during emergencies
The CERT concept was first developed in 1985 by the Los Angeles City Fire Department, after the department examined the civilian responses to disasters in Mexico and Japan. It was subsequently adopted by other fire departments around the country. In 1994, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) expanded on these important disaster preparedness training materials, and made the program available to communities across the U.S. Today, more than 3,200 local communities offer CERT training, and adapts them to meet that community’s unique needs.
Tom Still teaches the CERT training classes for SACS Consulting. A SACS team member for 30+ years, Tom was certified as a CERT instructor through Summit County Health Department. His previous experience includes law enforcement roles in the professional health care industry. Learn more about Tom here.