City of Grand Rapids CERT Program
What is CERT?
The CERT Program is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety and doing the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program trains volunteers to assist their families, neighbors, and community members during emergencies when professional responders may not be immediately available to provide assistance.
CERT is a community-based volunteer effort and is a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Citizen Corps program.
Why Join CERT?
- Learn decision-making, organization, and practical skills
- Better understand the potential threats to your community
- Build strong relationships with local emergency responders
- Help your community year-round through outreach and preparedness
What Skills Will I Learn?
- Emergency Preparedness
- Fire Safety / Utility Controls
- Light Search and Rescue
- Team Organization
- Disaster Medical Operations
Level One Training
This is a one-time prerequisite session for the CERT Training curriculum. This session describes CERT, outlines volunteer expectations and personal preparedness. No volunteer commitment required!
Level Two Training
This is the CERT basic academy, a twenty-hour training curriculum designed to train volunteers for disaster preparedness and response.
Who Should Volunteer for CERT?
Anyone interested in taking an active role in community preparedness! Some other groups that would benefit:
- Anyone that is 18 years of age or older
- Neighborhood Watch groups
- Community leaders
- Communities of Faith
When Does CERT Start?
The CERT Program is held twice a year, usually in the Spring and Summer. Announcements will be made via email and on social media.
Reach out to our CERT Program Manager at groem@grcity.us!