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1. What is CERT?

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members are also encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

2. How does CERT benefit my community?

The CERT course will benefit any citizen who takes it. People who go through CERT training have a better understanding of the potential threats to their home, workplace, and community and can take the right steps to lessen the effects of these hazards on themselves, their homes, or workplace. If a disaster happens that overwhelms local response capabilities, CERT members can apply the training learned in the classroom and during exercises to give critical support to their family, loved ones, neighbors, or associates in their immediate area until help arrives. When help does arrive, CERTs provide useful information to responders and support their efforts, as directed, at the disaster site. CERT members can also assist with non-emergency projects that improve the overall safety of the community. CERTs have been used to distribute and/or install smoke alarms, replace smoke alarm batteries in the homes of the elderly, distribute disaster education material, and provide services at special events such as parades, sporting events, concerts, and more.

3. Why take the CERT training?

The local government prepares for everyday emergencies. However, there can be an emergency or disaster that can overwhelm the community's immediate response capabilities. While adjacent jurisdictions and state and federal resources can activate to help, there may be a delay for them getting to those who need them. The primary reason for CERT training is to give people the decision-making, organizational, and practical skills to offer immediate assistance to family members, neighbors, and associates while waiting for help. While people will respond to others in need without the training, the goal of the CERT program is to help people do so effectively and efficiently without placing themselves in unnecessary danger.

A success story about CERTs comes from events during the wildfires in Florida. The Edgewater CERT helped emergency management and the fire department personnel by assisting with evacuation, handling donations, preparing food for firefighters, and answering the phone while the professionals were fighting the fire. This is a great example of CERT members and response personnel working together for the benefit of the community.

4. Who can take the training?

New Castle County offers CERT training to members of the general public as well as specific groups in the community such as neighborhood watch groups, businesses, critical infrastructure sectors (i.e. utilities, public transportation, etc.), government groups, faith-based organizations, colleges and universities, people with disabilities, military groups, and other organizations that come together regularly for a common cause. CERT skills are useful in disaster and everyday life events.

5. Does it cost anything to enroll?

No. All CERT training is offered free of charge.

6. Is there a minimum age requirement to participate?

While the participation of minors in the training course is not discouraged, it is recommended that those under the age of 18 be accompanied by a parent or guardian while attending the class. Parents should use their discretion when allowing their child / teen to participate, as some of the course topics may be sensitive to members of younger audiences (i.e. the discussion of physical injuries or other minor medical conditions). Additionally, please be aware that courses are conducted in a classroom setting, and appropriate classroom etiquette will be emphasized.

7. What if I have concerns about my age or physical ability?

There are many jobs within a CERT for someone who wants to be involved and help. Following a disaster, CERT members are needed for documentation, comforting others, logistics, etc. Non-disaster related team activities may include keeping databases, developing a website, writing a newsletter, planning activities, helping with special events, and organizing exercises and activities.

During CERT classroom training, if one has a concern about doing a skill like lifting, just let the instructor know. You can learn from watching. We would like everyone who wants to go through the training to have an opportunity to participate and learn the skills. CERT educates participants about local hazards and trains them in skills that are useful during disaster and life's everyday emergencies.

8. How do I enroll in a CERT training class?

CERT training is offered by the New Castle County Office of Emergency Management about four to five times a year, depending on staff availability. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis, as each class is limited to 40 students per session. To view a complete list of dates and times of the CERT courses being offered for the current year, as well as information about who to contact for enrollment, please visit the New Castle County CERT homepage.

9. What subjects will be covered during the course?

CERT training is designed to educate citizens about basic disaster preparedness and response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, disaster medical operations, and CPR / AED certification.

Check out the current CERT curriculum to see a complete list of topics covered during the course.