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Ready NC »   Get Involved »   CERT - Community Emergency Response Team

CERT - Community Emergency Response Team

Handing out preparedness literature

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:
July 23: POD Operations: Fayetteville
August 13 & 14: CERT Train-the-Trainer, Burgaw
August 17 - 21: National CERT Conference, Galveston, TX
August 24 & 25: CERT Train-the-Trainer, Richmond, VA
August 31 & September 1: CERT Train-the-Trainer, Charlotte
September 6 - November 15: CERT Basic Training, Hillsborough
September 9 - 11: CERT Basic Training, Apex
September 9 - 17: CERT Basic Training, Sanford
September 15 & 16: CERT Program Manager, Richmond, VA
September 17 & 18: CERT Basic Training, Fayetteville
September 26 & 27: CERT Train-the-Trainer, Pittsboro
October 22 & 23: CERT Train-the-Trainer, Lewisville

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).

Files

NC CERT SOG FINAL.pdf

NC CERT Standard Operating Guidelines 2021

PDF • 1.67 MB - August 23, 2021

NC CERT Programs.pdf

Listing of NC CERT Programs

PDF • 173.42 KB - August 23, 2021

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Contact Information

North Carolina Emergency Management

1636 Gold Star Drive
Raleigh, NC 27607

919-825-2500

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https://www.readync.gov/get-involved/cert-community-emergency-response-team