Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) – Why I Took the Course and Why You Should Too
I recently completed the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course, and I’m truly glad I did. With everything going on in the world today, I felt it was important to be as prepared as possible for emergencies—whether natural or manmade.
The CERT program is designed to educate volunteers on disaster preparedness and train us in essential response skills. It’s all about being ready to help ourselves, our families, and our neighbors when professional help might be delayed or unavailable.
CERT training covers a wide range of scenarios and skills, including:
- Fire safety – dealing with hazardous materials and putting out small fires
- Disaster medical operations – including triage, head-to-toe assessments, and basic treatment
- Light search and rescue – learning how to locate and assist victims
- Team organization – how to lead or support an effective response team
- Psychological first aid – supporting survivors dealing with trauma
- Understanding hazards – like floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, nuclear incidents, pandemics, and even terrorism
What makes the CERT program especially valuable is the hands-on training. On the final day, we participated in four realistic scenarios using live actors. These included situations like downed power lines, flooding, fires, and victims trapped under debris. It was intense—but also empowering.
CERT is about building stronger, safer, and more resilient communities. I highly encourage everyone to get involved. We live in uncertain times, and emergencies can happen in the blink of an eye. Having the knowledge and confidence to respond appropriately can truly make a difference.
Be prepared. Be aware. Be ready to help.
Look into CERT training in your area—you won’t regret it.
David Webster – Senior Editor