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 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 members in their communities beyond disaster response and add value to the CERT program. CERT programs welcome individuals of all abilities.

Upcoming Events:
April 19 - 21: CERT Basic Training, Apex
April 19 - 27: CERT Basic Training, Sanford
April 27 & 28: CERT Basic Training, Morrisville
May 3 & 4: CERT Basic Training, Hertford
May 10 - 12: CERT Basic Training, Pittsboro
June 15 & 16: CERT Train-the-Trainer, Taylorsville
June 17: NC CERT Forum, via Webex
July 12 - 14: CERT Basic Training in Spanish, Wilmington
July 20 & 21: CERT Program Manager, Raleigh
July 22 - 26, National CERT Conference, Washington, DC
September 6 - 8: CERT Basic Training, Cary
September 13 - 15: CERT Basic Training, Apex
September 27 - 29: CERT Basic Training, Raleigh
October 11 - 13: CERT Basic Training in Spanish, Winterville
October 19 & 20: CERT Train-the-Trainer, Raleigh
December 14 & 15: CERT Train-the-Trainer in Spanish, Raleigh
December 16: NC CERT Forum, via Webex

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
Shelter Corps Application

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).