This Independent Study (IS) course is an introduction to the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program for those interested in learning about the CERT program for their own knowledge or as a pre-requisite for completing the CERT Basic classroom training that may be available in your community.
The course includes three lessons: Introduction to CERT; What CERTs Do; and, Becoming Involved.
In Lesson 1, Introduction to CERT, you will learn what a CERT is, the origin of the national CERT program, examples of local CERT volunteer organizations, and the general and national purpose of CERT.
Lesson 2: What CERTs Do, describes CERT roles and responsibilities, how CERTs work with formal emergency response organizations, how CERTs integrate into an Incident Command System (ICS) structure, and what CERTs do and do not do. The lesson describes various CERT volunteer organizations and offers examples of how CERT programs have been implemented around the country and for different communities. You will also learn about case study examples of how CERT programs are helping various communities.
Lesson 3: Becoming Involved, discusses the required training to become a CERT volunteer, the benefits of being a CERT volunteer, and what you may be asked to do as part of a CERT. This lesson identifies ways in which you, as a CERT volunteer, can serve your community during emergencies and how the CERT organization can provide for your effective participation in disaster response.
Remember: It is important to understand that completion of this Independent Study course is not equivalent to, and cannot be used in place of, the classroom delivery of the CERT Basic training. To become a CERT volunteer, you must complete the classroom training offered by a local government agency such as the emergency management agency, fire or police department. Contact your local emergency manager to learn about the local education and training opportunities available to you.
