Community Emergency Response Team
Calhoun County CERT trains citizens to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their own community.
đĢĄ Become a CERT Volunteer
CERT training is free and open to all Calhoun County residents 18 and older. No prior emergency response experience is required. Contact CCEMA to learn about upcoming training dates.
What is CERT?
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates citizens about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their community. CERT trains people in basic disaster response skills including fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
Calhoun County CERT was established in 2014–2015 under the direction of CCEMA. CERT members support professional emergency responders during large-scale incidents and serve as a force multiplier for county emergency management operations.
What CERT Members Do
Fire Safety & Suppression
Basic fire suppression techniques, hazard identification, and fire safety in a disaster environment.
Disaster Medical Operations
Triage fundamentals, treating life-threatening conditions, and organizing medical operations at a disaster site.
Light Search & Rescue
Search and rescue planning, safe search techniques, and rescue basics without heavy equipment.
Team Organization
How to organize and manage a CERT response, work within ICS, and document activities.
Disaster Psychology
Understanding the emotional impact of disasters on survivors and responders, and how to provide support.
Community Preparedness
Supporting public preparedness outreach, community events, and exercises alongside CCEMA staff.
CERT Training Curriculum
CERT training consists of approximately 20 hours of classroom and hands-on instruction at no cost to participants. Upon completion, graduates are registered as Calhoun County CERT members and may be activated to support emergency operations.
| Topic | Hours |
|---|---|
| Disaster Preparedness | 2.5 hrs |
| Fire Safety & Utility Controls | 2.5 hrs |
| Disaster Medical Operations (Parts 1 & 2) | 5 hrs |
| Light Search & Rescue | 2.5 hrs |
| Disaster Psychology | 2 hrs |
| Team Organization & Terrorism Awareness | 2.5 hrs |
| Simulation Exercise | 3 hrs |
How to Join
Calhoun County CERT is open to all county residents 18 and older. No prior emergency response experience is required. To sign up for the next training class or for more information, contact CCEMA directly.