CERT: Steps to Starting a CERT Program

CERT Programs are started for many reasons including the need for better prepared communities and an interest in having trained volunteers to assist with emergency management personnel and first responders.

CERT Programs have been started by local emergency management agencies, fire departments, police departments, health departments, universities (public safety), local Red Cross chapters and more. Any CERT activity should be coordinated with the emergency management agency including volunteering or deployment in the event of a disaster.

Here are some basic steps to start a CERT Program:

• Research CERT

• Identify trainers and coordinators (team training is most effective)

• Assess the needs of your community/business/school

• Identify program goals and objectives

• Attend a CERT Train-the-Trainer Course

• "Sell" your CERT program to first responders, emergency managers, elected officials, the public, etc.

• Register your CERT program for federal and state recognition

• Obtain resources needed to support program: funding, equipment, supplies, training facility

• Plan for participants and community members with special needs (Word doc)

• Initiate a positive relationship with local media (perhaps inviting them to take the course)

• Identify target audiences (Word doc)

• Market the CERT program to recruit class participants and potential volunteers

• Consider the CERT "three tier" involvement system explained in this article from The Connection Newsletter    *CERT is a public education course as well as a training course for volunteers*

• Schedule and conduct a pilot 20 hour CERT course using the most recent training materials  

• Continue to offer courses to all interested individuals and groups

• Develop CERT volunteer program

  • CERT class graduates could apply to be a member of the CERT program

  • Managing Volunteers  (Word doc.) coming soon...

  • Consider taking the course "Developing and Managing Volunteers (PDS)"

    • Missouri SEMA Training

    • EMI Independent Study

• Maintain program and skills through continuing education, refresher training, exercises, volunteer opportunities and a Citizen Corps/CERT newsletter (Word doc)

• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for your CERT teams

• Include the CERT program in your local emergency operation plan

  • CERT: The Plan (Word doc)

 

Resources

    EMI/FEMA CERT Website:

• Job Aid - Starting and Maintaining a CERT Program http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/CERT/new_CERT/index.htm

• CERT Program Maintenance http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/CERT/prgmnt.asp

    HHP Magazine Article: 6 Tips to Starting CERT

There are additional resources listed throughout this website

Last Updated: September 30, 2004