What is CERT?
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community. The About CERT section of FEMA's website gives you a complete description of CERT.
Who can become a CERT?
Anyone over 18 is eligible to receive CERT training. Participants are not limited to west Skagit County; however, there is training available in neighboring counties and throughout the country. Please check FEMA's directory of CERT teams for a team near you. There are active CERT programs in Whatcom County and the City of Everett.
Naturals for the training are neighborhood watch, community organizations, communities of faith, school staff, workplace employees, scouting organization and other groups that come together regularly for a common purpose. CERT skills are useful in disaster and everyday life events.
For individuals aged 14-18, there is a program called Teen CERT. If enough teens are interested in being trained, a Teen CERT training may be arranged. CERT is a great way to address the community service requirements for high school students and provides students with useful skills.
Naturals for the training are neighborhood watch, community organizations, communities of faith, school staff, workplace employees, scouting organization and other groups that come together regularly for a common purpose. CERT skills are useful in disaster and everyday life events.
For individuals aged 14-18, there is a program called Teen CERT. If enough teens are interested in being trained, a Teen CERT training may be arranged. CERT is a great way to address the community service requirements for high school students and provides students with useful skills.
When is training offered?
Currently, training is offered twice per year, in about February and October. The location and dates change so please check the calendar or our Facebook page for announcements of the latest training offered.
What is the cost?
As of 2014, the course fee is $50. Scholarships may be available. The course fee primarily covers the cost of supplies including a hard hat, vest, and backpack.
What is expected of me as a CERT?
As a CERT member you will be expected to maintain your emergency supplies, CERT skills, and contact information. You will be encouraged to participate in on-going training/refresher opportunities and, as possible, assist the CERT program. Program assistance may take the form of helping out at classes, final disaster simulations, or course graduations. You can also assist by helping to advertise future classes.
What if I want more training?
CERT members can increase their knowledge and capability by attending classes provided by West Skagit CERT and other community agencies on Map Your Neighborhood, animal care, special needs concerns, donation management, community relations, shelter management, debris removal, utilities control, advanced first aid, Automatic External Defibrillator use, CPR skills, and others. The sponsoring agency should maintain records of this training and call upon CERT members when these additional skills are needed in the community. CERT members also can use their skills to help the program flourish by volunteering to schedule events, produce a newsletter, perform administrative work, and take leadership positions.
Other ways to get involved include Skagit ARES/RACES (Ham radio), Mt. Baker Chapter of the American Red Cross, and Skagit County Search and Rescue.
Other ways to get involved include Skagit ARES/RACES (Ham radio), Mt. Baker Chapter of the American Red Cross, and Skagit County Search and Rescue.
What if I have concerns about age or physical ability?
There are many jobs within a CERT for someone who wants to be involved and help. Following a disaster, CERT members are needed for documentation, comforting others, logistics, etc. Non-disaster related team activities may include keeping databases, developing a website, writing a newsletter, planning activities, helping with special events and organizing exercises and activities.During CERT classroom training, if one has a concern about doing a skill like lifting, just let the instructor know. You can learn from watching. We would like everyone who wants to go through the training to have an opportunity to participate and learn the skills. CERT educates participants about local hazards and trains them in skills that are useful during disaster and life's everyday emergencies.