In times of emergencies, it is important for communities to be able to come together and help each other. This is where the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program comes into play. CERT is a training program that prepares ordinary citizens to become first responders in their communities, providing assistance during disasters and emergencies. In this blog post, we will discuss what the CERT program is and why it is good to take it.
What Is The CERT Program?
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is a training program developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It is designed to prepare individuals to help themselves, their families, and their communities during emergencies and disasters when professional responders may not be immediately available. The program teaches participants basic skills in disaster preparedness, fire safety, medical operations, and light search and rescue. The CERT program was created in 1985 as a way to engage citizens in emergency preparedness efforts. Since then, the program has grown and now has thousands of trained volunteers across the United States. The CERT program is available to anyone who is interested in learning how to be better prepared for emergencies and disasters.
What Does The CERT Program Cover?
The CERT program covers a wide range of topics that are essential for emergency preparedness. Some of the areas covered in the training include:
- Disaster Preparedness: This covers how to create an emergency plan and build an emergency supply kit.
- Fire Safety: Participants learn how to identify and reduce fire hazards, use a fire extinguisher, and understand fire behavior.
- Medical Operations: This covers basic first aid skills, such as treating wounds, controlling bleeding, and providing CPR.
- Light Search and Rescue: Participants learn how to conduct a search and rescue operation, including how to safely remove debris and use basic tools.
- Terrorism and Homeland Security: This covers how to identify potential terrorist targets and how to respond to an act of terrorism.
Why Take The CERT Program ?
There are many reasons why taking the CERT program is a good idea. Here are some of the main benefits:
- Increased Preparedness: The CERT program teaches you how to be better prepared for emergencies and disasters. You will learn how to create an emergency plan, build an emergency supply kit, and respond to a variety of emergency situations. This knowledge will help you and your family be better prepared in the event of an emergency.
- Ability to Help Your Community: By taking the CERT program, you will be trained to respond to emergencies in your community. You will be able to provide assistance to your neighbors and local first responders during times of crisis. This can make a huge difference in the outcome of an emergency situation.
- Personal Growth: The CERT program provides an opportunity for personal growth and development. You will learn new skills and gain confidence in your ability to handle emergency situations. This can help you in many aspects of your life, not just in emergency situations.
- Networking: By taking the CERT program, you will have the opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals in your community. This can lead to new friendships and partnerships that can be beneficial in emergency situations.
- Better Understanding of Emergency Services: By participating in the CERT program, you will gain a better understanding of the role that emergency services play in your community. This can help you appreciate the work that they do and provide a better perspective on how you can help during an emergency.
How to Get Involved in the CERT Program?
To get involved in the CERT program, individuals can search for local programs on the FEMA website and complete the required training. The program typically covers a range of topics, including disaster preparedness, fire safety, medical operations, light search and rescue, and terrorism and homeland security. Overall, the CERT program is an important tool for communities to be better prepared for emergencies and disasters. By taking the training, individuals can become a valuable resource in their communities and make a positive impact during times of crisis.
To find out more about the CERT Program check out the information on the FEMA website here.
