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:
Mar 14: Wake County CERTEX
Mar 20 - 22: CERT Basic Training, Cary
Mar 21 & 22: CERT Train-the-Trainer, Greenville
Mar 27 - 29: CERT Basic Training, Durham
Apr 14, 21, 28; May 5, 12: CERT Basic Training, Durham
Apr 17-19: CERT Basic Training, Charlotte
Apr 20: NC CERT Webinar: Bites, Stings, and Scratches: Wildlife First Aid Response
Apr 24 - 26: CERT Basic Training, Apex
Apr 25 & 26: CERT Hybrid Hands-On Training, Morrisville
May 15-17: CERT Basic Training, Pittsboro
May 16: Central Branch CERT Training Day, Greensboro
Jun 12-14: CERT Basic Training, Charlotte
Jun 13 & 14: CERT Train-the-Trainer, Black Mountain
Jul 25 & 26: CERT Program Manager, Cary
Aug 7-9: CERT Basic Training, Black Mountain
Sep 11 - 13: CERT Basic Training, Apex
Sep 19: Western Branch CERT Training Day
Oct 2-4: CERT Basic Training, Charlotte
Oct 10 & 11: CERT Train-the-Trainer, Cary
Oct 19: NC CERT Webinar: High-Risk/Low-Frequency Events
Dec 14: NC CERT Webinar: How to Keep CERT Training Fun & Engaging
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:
Sean Canoy
NC CERT Program, NCEM, 1636 Gold Star Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607
Phone: 984-352-8740
Email: cert@ncdps.gov
See below for NC CERT Standard Operating Guidelines and a listing of NC CERT Programs (updated 1/1/2026).