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emergency management – cert

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

.The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. CERT offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations, which allows them to focus on more complex tasks. Through CERT, the capabilities to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters is built and enhanced.

At the same time, the CERT program was designed as a grassroots initiative and specifically structured so that the local and state program managers have the flexibility to form their programs in the way that best suits their communities. CERT volunteers are trained to respond safely, responsibly, and effectively to emergency situations, but they can also support their communities during non-emergency events as well. There are over 2,700 local CERT programs nationwide, with more than 600,000 individuals trained since CERT became a national program.

FEMA’s Community Emergency Response Team Program trains volunteers to prepare for the types of disasters that their community may face. Through hands-on practice and realistic exercises, CERT members:

  • Learn how to safely respond to manmade and natural hazards
  • Help organize basic disaster response
  • Promote preparedness by hosting and participating in community events

Gladwin County has a CERT Team that meets monthly for a business meeting and a training right after.  The Gladwin CERT members give support to local first responders such as helping firefighters at the fire hall after a structure fire putting their truck and gear back in service.  The CERT team is trained in traffic control, shelter operations, Volunteer Reception Center set up and operation of the center, CPR and basic first aid, and so much more.

If you would like more information about the Gladwin County CERT Team or you would like to become a member, CLICK HERE for a printable application form. You can mail in your completed application to the office of Emergency Management/Homeland Security at 555 West Cedar Avenue, Gladwin, MI 48624 or email RNorth@gladwincounty-mi.gov. Please call us at 989.426-6871 if you have any further questions.