Initially, Community Emergency Response (CERT) programs were developed to assist communities in taking care themselves in the aftermath of a major disaster when first responders are overwhelmed or unable to respond because of communication or transportation difficulties. As the CERT concept has takem hold across the country, however, CERTs have become much more than originally envisioned. CERTs have proven themselves to be an active and vital part of their communities' preparedness and response capabilties. For example, CERTs have been used to:

• Distribute and/or install smoke alarms and batteries to those living in low-income housing
• Assist with evacuations and traffic control
• Promote community awareness of potential hazards and preparedness measures
• Supplement staffing at special events, such as festivals and parades
• Act as victims in training exercises and drills
• Assist with vaccine clinics

CERTs are an investment of local government's time and resources. To capitalize on this investment, program sponsors can view CERT volunteers as a force-multiplier that can assist with public safety activities. Such an approach will actively members in their communities beyond disaster response and add value to the CERT program. CERT programs welcome individuals of all abilities.

Upcoming Events:
March 18 & 25: CERT Basic Training, Matthews
March 21: CERT Animal Response, Sanford
April 1: Wake County CERTEX, New Hill *class is full*
April 4 - May 30: CERT Basic Training, Hillsborough
April 15: SAR for CERT, Fayetteville
April 22 & 23: CERT Basic Training Hybrid, Morrisville
April 26 - 28: CERT Basic Training, Hertford
April 28 - 30: CERT Basic Training, Apex
May 5 - 7, CERT Basic Training, Lewisville
May 5 - 7, CERT Basic Training, Hampstead
May 15 & 16: CERT Train-the-Trainer, Greenville
May 19 - 21: CERT Basic Training, Fayetteville
June 29 - July 1: National CERT Conference, San Francisco, CA
July 21 & 23: CERT Basic Training, Fayetteville
July 22 & 23: CERT Program Manager, Raleigh
September 8 - 10, CERT Basic Training, Apex

Past Events:
January 28, 2021: NC CERT Forum for All Volunteers, recording of meeting
March 25, 2021: NC CERT Forum for Program Managers, recording of meeting
May 26, 2021: NC CERT Forum for All Volunteers, recording of meeting
July 29, 2021: NC CERT Forum for Program Managers, recording of meeting
September 30, 2021: NC CERT Forum for All Volunteers, recording of meeting
June 9, 2022: NC CERT Forum, recording of meeting

Contact:
Samantha Royster
NC CERT Program Manager, NCEM, 1636 Gold Star Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607
Phone: 919-825-2288
Email: Samantha.Royster@ncdps.gov

See below for NC CERT Standard Operating Guidelines and a listing of NC CERT Programs (updated 8/23/2021).