Initially, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programs were developed to assist communities in taking care of 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 taken 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 involve members in their communities beyond disaster response and add value to the CERT program. CERT programs welcome individuals of all abilities.
Upcoming Events:
Aug 1 - 3, CERT Basic Training, Black Mountain
Aug 6 - 9: National CERT Conference, Plainfield, IN
Aug 11: NC CERT Webinar: Animals in Disasters
Aug 23: Wake County CERTEX
Aug 29 - 31: CERT Basic Training in Spanish, Hendersonville
Sep 5 - 7: CERT Basic Training, Cary
Sep 12 - 14: CERT Basic Training, Winston-Salem
Sep 12 - 14: CERT Basic Training, Holly Springs
Sep 17 - Nov 5: CERT Basic Training, Hillsborough
Sep 19 - 21: CERT Basic Training, Apex
Oct 3 - 5: CERT Basic Training, Wilmington
Oct 11 & 12: CERT Basic Training, Morrisville
Oct 4 & 5: CERT Train-the-Trainer, Raleigh
Oct 13: NC CERT Webinar: Transforming Conflict into Collaboration
Oct 24 - 26: CERT Basic Training, Youngsville
Oct 24 - 26: CERT Basic Training in Spanish, Fayetteville
Dec 8: NC CERT Webinar: Tools for Leadership Success
Past Events:
Videos of past NC CERT Forums can be found on our YouTube page.
Forms:
NC CERT Class Request Form
Application for New CERT Program
NC CERT Code of Conduct
NC CERT Responder Application
Contact:
Samantha Royster & Sean Canoy
NC CERT Program, NCEM, 1636 Gold Star Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607
Phone: 919-906-4941
Email: cert@ncdps.gov
See below for NC CERT Standard Operating Guidelines and a listing of NC CERT Programs (updated 4/30/2024).