The Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) help people to be better prepared in emergency situations by coordinating basic response and recovery efforts in their neighborhoods. CERT members also can help with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community.
Two levels of CERT training are available:
CERT: Through this series of classes, participants learn basic skills needed during an emergency or disaster. Topics include:
- Overview of Citizens Corps
- Homeland Security
- Emergency Preparedness
- First Aid/CPR
- Fire & Carbon Monoxide Safety
- Water Safety
- Neighborhood CERT
Continuing CERT: Additional classes will be developed in response to specific community needs. Prior CERT participants will be notified as Continuing CERT classes are developed.
CERT training is administered by the American Red Cross, Charlotte Fire Department, Charlotte - Mecklenburg Police Department and Charlotte - Mecklenburg Emergency Management. While anyone can register for the CERT training through the Red Cross, for maximum effectiveness, the goal is to provide the training to intact groups -- neighborhood and business associations, church and civic groups.
The Charlotte - Mecklenburg Police Department also will be working with area Neighborhood Watch groups to bring the training to Neighborhood Watch meetings. Neighborhoods without an existing Neighborhood Watch program also can receive the training; creating a Neighborhood Watch program will be added as a part of the training.
