What is CERT?
Community Emergency Response Team — a FEMA-supported program that trains everyday residents to support their communities before, during, and after emergencies.
THE NATIONAL PROGRAM
Community Emergency Response Team
CERT is a national FEMA program that trains community members in basic disaster response skills. CERT teams work alongside professional emergency responders to extend their capacity when it is needed most. Swannanoa CERT follows this same framework, adapted for our valley and our neighbors.
WHAT CERT VOLUNTEERS DO
CERT VOLUNTEERS CAN HELP WITH
Disaster preparedness education
Basic fire suppression support
Light search and rescue
Disaster assessment
Team organization and communications
Shelter support
Neighborhood outreach
Psychological first aid
OUR MISSION
CERT VOLUNTEERS ARE NOT
Firefighters
Law enforcement
Medical professionals
First responders
Authorized to enter dangerous situations
CERT volunteers support professional emergency services — we do not replace them.
"The Swannanoa CERT program seeks to build a network of trained volunteers who can support community preparedness, strengthen neighborhood resilience, and assist one another during emergencies."