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:
Feb 21 - 23: CERT Basic Training in Spanish, Greenville
Feb 28 - Mar 2: CERT Basic Training, Concord
Mar 1 & 2: CERT Train-the-Trainer, Greenville
Mar 1 & 15: CERT Basic Training, Matthews
Mar 21 - 23: CERT Basic Training, Cary
Mar 28 - 30: CERT Basic Training, Bolivia
Apr 4 - 6, CERT Basic Training, Raleigh
Apr 11 - 13, CERT Basic Training, Apex
Apr 14: NC CERT Webinar: Targeted Violence Awareness and Prevention
May 17: NC CERT Conference
May 31 - Jun 14: CERT Basic Training, Raeford
Jun 16: NC CERT Webinar: HAM Radio Overview
Jun 21 & 22, CERT Train-the-Trainer, Morganton
Jul 19 & 20: CERT Program Manager, Raleigh
Aug 6 - 9: National CERT Conference, Plainfield, IN
Aug 11: NC CERT Webinar: Animals in Disasters
Sep 19 - 21, CERT Basic Training, Apex
Oct 11 & 12: CERT Train-the-Trainer, Raleigh
Oct 13: NC CERT Webinar: Psychological First Aid: Real-Life Skills
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).