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{{Short description|American emergency response program}}
{{More sources needed|date=August 2024}}{{infobox organization
| name                     = Community Emergency Response Team
| image                    = File:Community Emergency Response Team (US) Logo.jpg
| image_border             = 
| caption                  = Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) logo
| abbreviation             = CERT
| formation                = 1993
| type                     = [[Nonprofit organization|Nonprofit]]
| status                   = 
| purpose                  = 
| headquarters             = 
| location                 = 
| region_served            = 
| membership               = 
| language                 = 
| leader_title             = President
| leader_name              = Suu-Va Tai
| main_organ               = 
| parent_organization      = [[Citizen Corps]]
| affiliations             = 
| num_staff                = 
| num_volunteers           = 
| budget                   = 
| website                  = [https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/individuals-communities/preparedness-activities-webinars/community-emergency-response-team www.fema.gov/community-emergency-response-teams]
}}{{See also|Computer emergency response team|Cert (disambiguation)}}
In the United States, '''Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)''' can refer to
* an implementation of [[Federal Emergency Management Agency|FEMA]]'s National CERT Program, administered by a local sponsoring agency, which provides a standardized training and implementation framework to community members;
* an organization of [[Volunteering|volunteer]] emergency workers who have received specific training in basic disaster response skills, and who agree to supplement existing [[emergency responder]]s in the event of a major disaster.

Sometimes programs and organizations take different names, such as '''neighborhood emergency response team''' ('''NERT'''), or '''neighborhood emergency team''' ('''NET''').<ref>{{Cite web |title=Neighborhood Emergency Response Team {{!}} SF Fire Website |url=https://sf-fire.org/nert |access-date=2025-10-12 |website=sf-fire.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Neighborhood Emergency Response Team (NERT) {{!}} City of Hayward - Official website |url=https://www.hayward-ca.gov/fire-department/disaster-preparedness/neighborhood-emergency-response-team |access-date=2025-10-12 |website=www.hayward-ca.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Neighborhood Emergency Teams (NETs) {{!}} Portland.gov |url=https://www.portland.gov/pbem/neighborhood-emergency-teams |access-date=2025-10-12 |website=www.portland.gov |language=en}}</ref>

The concept of civilian auxiliaries is similar to [[civil defense]], which has a longer history. The CERT concept differs because it includes nonmilitary emergencies, and is coordinated with all levels of emergency authorities, local to national, via an overarching [[incident command system]].

In 2022, the CERT program moved under FEMA's community preparedness umbrella along with the Youth Preparedness Council.
<!-- basic training in [[disaster]] [[preparedness]], the [[incident command system]], disaster [[fire suppression]], basic disaster [[medical]] operations, light [[search and rescue]], and team operations. -->

== Organization ==
A [[local government]] agency, often a [[fire department]], [[police department]], or [[emergency management]] agency, agrees to sponsor CERT within its jurisdiction. The sponsoring agency liaises with, deploys and may train or supervise the training of CERT members. Many sponsoring agencies employ a full-time community-service person as liaison to the CERT members. In some communities, the liaison is a volunteer and CERT member.

As people are trained and agree to join the community emergency response effort, a CERT is formed. Initial efforts may result in a team with only a few members from across the community. As the number of members grow, a single community-wide team may subdivide. Multiple CERTs are organized into a hierarchy of teams consistent with the principles of the Incident Command System (ICS), which is a management system used by emergency responders. The ideal of team distribution is one or more teams in each neighborhood within a community.

A ''teen community emergency response team'' (''teen CERT''), or ''student emergency response team'' (''SERT''), can be formed from any group of teens.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.floridadisaster.org/citizencorps/TeenCert/documents/0209%20Teen%20CERT%20Workbook.pdf |title=Teen CERT: Disaster Teen Training Guide |website=floridadisaster.org |publisher=Volunteer USA Foundation |access-date=17 July 2015 }}</ref> A teen CERT can be formed as a school club, service organization, [[Venturing (Boy Scouts of America)|venturing]] crew, [[Exploring (Learning for Life)|explorer]] post, or the training can be added to a school's graduation curriculum. Some CERTs form a club or service corporation, and recruit volunteers to perform training on behalf of the sponsoring agency. This reduces the financial and human resource burden on the sponsoring agency.

[[File:FEMA - 7756 - Photograph by Jocelyn Augustino taken on 03-10-2003 in Maryland.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A CERT volunteer practices using a fire extinguisher.]]

When not responding to disasters or large emergencies, CERTs may:{{Citation needed|date=August 2024}}
* raise funds for emergency response equipment in their community
* provide first-aid, crowd control or other services at community events
* hold planning, training, or recruitment meetings
* conduct or participate in disaster response exercises

Some sponsoring agencies use state and federal grants to purchase response tools and equipment for their members and teams (subject to Stafford Act limitations). Most CERTs also acquire their own supplies, tools, and equipment. As community members, CERTs are aware of the specific needs of their community, and equip the teams accordingly.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025}}

== Response ==
The basic idea is to use CERT to perform the large number of tasks needed in emergencies. This frees highly trained professional responders for more technical tasks. Much of CERT training concerns the ICS and organization, so CERT members fit easily into larger command structures.

A team member may self-activate (self-deploy) when their own neighborhood or current location is affected by an incident.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=30 July 2025 |title=CERT Program Manager Participant Manual, 2019 Update |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GOVPUB-HS5_100-PURL-gpo185416/pdf/GOVPUB-HS5_100-PURL-gpo185416.pdf |access-date=30 July 2025 |website=GovInfo}}</ref> An effort is made to report their response status to the sponsoring agency. A self-activated team will size up the loss in their neighborhood and begin performing the skills they have learned to minimize further loss of life, property, and environment. They will continue to respond safely until redirected or relieved by the sponsoring agency or professional responders on-scene.<ref name=":0" /> 

Teams in neighborhoods not affected by disaster may be deployed or activated by the sponsoring agency. Teams may be activated and dispatched to gather or respond to intelligence about an incident.

[[File:FEMA - 7746 - Photograph by Jocelyn Augustino taken on 03-10-2003 in Maryland.jpg|thumb|left|250px|CERT volunteers try on their equipment]]

In the short term, CERTs perform data gathering, especially to locate mass-casualties requiring professional response, or situations requiring professional rescues, simple fire-fighting tasks (for example, small fires, turning off gas), light search and rescue, damage evaluation of structures, [[triage]] and [[first aid]]. In the longer term, CERTs may assist in the evacuation of residents, or assist with setting up a neighborhood shelter.

While responding, CERT members are temporary volunteer government workers subject to local and state laws about compensation for injuries sustained while activated.<ref name=":0" />  In some states, activated CERT members are eligible for worker's compensation. In [[California]], activated CERT members may be covered under their sponsoring agency's insurance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=California Department of General Services |url=https://www.dgs.ca.gov/Resources/SAM/TOC/2500/2580-3 |access-date=2025-07-30 |website=www.dgs.ca.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=9 April 2024 |title=What have other CERT groups done for liability insurance to protect their members? |url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/612835412131644/posts/7385269884888129/ |access-date=30 July 2025 |website=CERT Discussion Board, Facebook}}</ref>

== Member roles ==
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that the standard, minimum ten-person team be comprised as follows:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1551 |title=Standing Operating Procedures |publisher=The Woodlands CERT Committee |access-date=17 July 2015 }}</ref>
* ''CERT leader/incident commander''. Generally, the first CERT team member arriving on the scene is the designated incident commander (IC) until the arrival of someone more competent. This person makes the IC initial assessment of the scene and determines the appropriate course of action for team members; assumes role of safety officer until assigned to another team member; assigns team member roles if not already assigned; designates triage area, treatment area, morgue, and vehicle traffic routes; coordinates and directs team operations; determines logistical needs (water, food, medical supplies, transportation, equipment, and so on) and determines ways to meet those needs through team members or citizen volunteers on the scene; collects and writes reports on the operation and victims; and communicates and coordinates with the incident commander, local authorities, and other CERT team leaders. The IC is identified by two pieces of crossed tape on the hard hat.
* ''Safety officer/dispatch''. Checks team members prior to deployment to ensure they are safe and equipped for the operation; determines safe or unsafe working environments; ensures team accountability; supervises operations (when possible) where team members and victims are at direct physical risk, and alerts team members when unsafe conditions arise. Advises team members of any updates on the situation. Keeps tabs on the situation as it unfolds
* ''Fire suppression team (2 people)''. Work under the supervision of a team leader to suppress small fires in designated work areas or as needed; when not accomplishing their primary mission, assist the search and rescue team or triage team; assist in evacuation and transport as needed; assist in the triage or treatment area as needed, other duties as assigned; communicate with Team Leader.
* ''Search and rescue team/extraction (2)''. Work under the supervision of a team leader, searching for and providing rescue of victims as is prudent under the conditions, also bringing injured people to triage or the hospital for medical treatment ; when not accomplishing their primary mission, assist the fire suppression team, assist in the triage or treatment area as needed; other duties as assigned; communicate with team leader.
* ''Medical triage team/field medic (2)''. Work under the supervision of a team leader, providing [[simple triage and rapid treatment|START]] triage for victims found at the scene; marking victims with category of injury per the standard operating procedures; when not accomplishing their primary mission, assist the fire suppression team if needed, assist the search and rescue team if needed, assist in the medical triage area if needed, assist in the treatment area if needed, other duties as assigned; communicate with IC.

[[File:Springfield CERT Truck (1708475192).jpg|thumb|right|250px|An equipment trailer belonging to the Springfield, Illinois CERT program.]]

* ''Medical treatment team (2)''. Work under the supervision of the team leader, providing medical treatment to victims within the scope of their training. This task is normally accomplished in the treatment area, however, it may take place in the affected area as well. When not accomplishing their primary mission, assist the fire suppression team as needed, assist the medical triage team as needed; other duties as assigned; communicate with the team leader.
* ''Team leader''. Supervises designated tasks they are assigned to. Gives reports to dispatch and IC.

Because every CERT member in a community receives the same core instruction, any team member has the training necessary to assume any of these roles. This is important during a disaster response because not all members of a regular team may be available to respond. Hasty teams may be formed by whichever members are responding at the time. Additionally, members may need to adjust team roles due to stress, fatigue, injury, or other circumstances.

== Training ==
[[File:Feb 5 2017 CERT C.jpg|thumb|On February 5, 2017, community emergency response team training in Berwyn Heights, Maryland, with two members putting out a fire]]
[[File:Feb 5 2017 CERT D.jpg|thumb|On February 5, 2017, community emergency response team training while in gear.]]
While state and local jurisdictions will implement training in the manner that best suits the community, FEMA's National CERT Program has an established curriculum. Jurisdictions may augment the training, but should never delete topics.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 July 2025 |title=CERT Program Manager Instructor Guide |url=https://pueblo.gpo.gov/Publications/pdfs/FA-P-2058.pdf |access-date=30 July 2025 |website=Pueblo.GPO.gov}}</ref> The CERT core curriculum for the basic course is composed of the following nine units (time is instructional hours):<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usfa.fema.gov/pdf/efop/efo45561.pdf |title=A Community Emergency Response Team in the Marshfield Fire and Rescue Department |last1=Schmidt |first1=James B. |publisher=U.S. Fire Administration |access-date=17 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721163409/http://www.usfa.fema.gov/pdf/efop/efo45561.pdf |archive-date=21 July 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* ''Unit 1: Disaster preparedness'' (2.5 hrs). Topics include (in part) identifying local disaster threats, disaster impact, mitigation and preparedness concepts, and an overview of citizen corps and CERT. Hands on skills include [[team-building]] exercises, and shutting off utilities.
* ''Unit 2: Fire safety'' (2.5 hrs). Students learn about fire chemistry, mitigation practices, [[hazardous materials]] identification, suppression options, and are introduced to the concept of size-up. Hands-on skills include using a [[fire extinguisher]] to suppress a live flame, and wearing basic protective gear. Firefighting standpipes as well as unconventional firefighting methods are also covered.
* ''Unit 3: Disaster medical operations part 1'' (2.5 hrs). Students learn to identify and treat certain life-threatening conditions in a disaster setting, as well as [[START triage]]. Hands-on skills include performing head-tilt/chin-lift, practicing bleeding control techniques, and performing triage as an exercise.
* ''Unit 4: Disaster medical operations part 2'' (2.5 hrs). Topics cover mass casualty operations, public health, assessing patients, and treating injuries. Students practice patient assessment, and various treatment techniques.
* ''Unit 5: Light search and rescue operations'' (2.5 hrs). Size-up is expanded as students learn about assessing structural damage, marking structures that have been searched, search techniques, as well as rescue techniques and [[Cribbing (rescue)|cribbing]]. Hands-on activities include lifting and cribbing an object, and practicing rescue carries.
* ''Unit 6: CERT organization'' (1.5 hrs). Students are introduced to several concepts from the ICS, and local team organization and communication is explained. Hands-on skills include a table-top exercise focusing on incident command and control.
* ''Unit 7: Disaster psychology'' (1 hr). Responder [[critical incident stress management|well-being]] and dealing with victim [[Psychological trauma|trauma]] are the topics of this unit.
* ''Unit 8: Terrorism and CERT'' (2.5 hrs). Students learn how [[terrorism|terrorists]] may choose targets, what weapons they may use, and identifying when [[CBRNE|chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive]] weapons may have been deployed. Students learn about CERT roles in preparing for and responding to terrorist attacks. A table-top exercise highlights topics covered.
* ''Unit 9: Course review and disaster simulation'' (2.5 hrs). Students take a written exam, then participate in a real-time practical disaster simulation where the different skill areas are put to the test. A critique follows the exercise where students and instructors have an opportunity to learn from mistakes and highlight exemplary actions. Students may be given a certificate of completion at the conclusion of the course.

CERT training emphasizes safely "doing the most good for the most people as quickly as possible" when responding to a disaster. For this reason, [[cardiopulmonary resuscitation]] (CPR) training is not included in the core curriculum, as it is time- and responder-intensive in a [[mass-casualty incident]]. However, many jurisdictions encourage or require CERT members to obtain CPR training. New Castle County, Delaware, and the City of North Miami Beach, Florida;<ref>{{Cite web |title=FAQs • Community Emergency Response Team |url=https://www.citynmb.com/faq.aspx?TID=28 |access-date=2025-07-30 |website=www.citynmb.com}}</ref> are two examples. Many CERT programs provide or encourage members to take additional [[first aid]] training.

[[File:Cert ecc (7643874586).jpg|thumb|left|250px|Arlington Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) provided back-up support to the county's 911 system.]]

Many CERT programs also provide training in [[amateur radio]] operation, shelter operations, flood response, community relations, mass care, the ICS, and the [[National Incident Management System]] (NIMS).<ref>{{Cite web |title=CLAY COUNTY, WV CERT - TRAINING |url=https://www.claycountycert.org/home/training |access-date=2025-04-19 |website=www.claycountycert.org |language=en-US}}</ref>

Each unit of CERT training is ideally delivered by professional responders or other experts in the field addressed by the unit. This is done to help build unity between CERT members and responders, keep the attention of students, and help the professional response organizations be comfortable with the training which CERT members receive.

Each course of instruction is ideally facilitated by one or more instructors certified in the CERT curriculum by the state or sponsoring agency. Facilitating instructors provide continuity between units, and help ensure that the CERT core curriculum is being delivered successfully. Facilitating instructors also perform set-up and tear-down of the classroom, provide instructional materials for the course, record student attendance and other tasks which assist the professional responder in delivering their unit as efficiently as possible.

CERT training is provided free to interested members of the community, and is delivered in a group classroom setting. People may complete the training without obligation to join a CERT. Citizen corps grant funds can be used to print and provide each student with a printed manual. Some sponsoring agencies use citizen corps grant funds to purchase disaster response tool kits. These kits are offered as an incentive to join a CERT, and must be returned to the sponsoring agency when members resign from CERT.

Some sponsoring agencies require a criminal background-check of all trainees before allowing them to participate on a CERT. For example, the city of [[Albuquerque, New Mexico]], requires all volunteers to pass a background check,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cabq.gov/emergency-management-office/citizen-preparedness/community-emergency-response-team |title=Community Emergency Response Team |website=City of Albuquerque Official Website |access-date=17 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150718071729/http://www.cabq.gov/emergency-management-office/citizen-preparedness/community-emergency-response-team |archive-date=18 July 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> while the city of [[Austin, Texas]], does not require a background check to take part in training classes, but requires members to undergo a background check in order to receive a CERT badge and directly assist first responders during an activation of the [[emergency operations center]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://austintexas.gov/AustinCERT |title=CERT Volunteers |publisher=City of Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management |access-date=17 July 2015 }}</ref> However, most programs do not require a criminal background check in order to participate.

[[File:FEMA - 7743 - Photograph by Jocelyn Augustino taken on 03-10-2003 in Maryland.jpg|thumb|right|250px|CERT volunteers during the classroom portion of their training.]]

The CERT curriculum (including the "Train-the-Trainer" and program manager courses) was updated in 2019 to reflect feedback from instructors across the nation. 

== FEMA Position Qualification System ==
In 2021 FEMA published Position Qualification System standards for CERT programs:

* FEMA CERT volunteer<ref>{{Cite web |title=View Position Qualification - RTLT |url=https://rtlt.preptoolkit.fema.gov/Public/Position/View/10-509-1466?q=cert |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=rtlt.preptoolkit.fema.gov}}</ref> (Type 2/1)
* FEMA CERT section chief<ref>{{Cite web |title=View Position Qualification - RTLT |url=https://rtlt.preptoolkit.fema.gov/Public/Position/View/10-509-1464?q=cert |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=rtlt.preptoolkit.fema.gov}}</ref>
* FEMA CERT team leader<ref>{{Cite web |title=View Position Qualification - RTLT |url=https://rtlt.preptoolkit.fema.gov/Public/Position/View/10-509-1465?q=cert |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=rtlt.preptoolkit.fema.gov}}</ref> (Type 2/1)

Programs who choose to participate must have CERT members complete a position task book every 2 years:

* FEMA CERT volunteer type 2<ref>{{Cite web |title=View Position Task Book - RTLT |url=https://rtlt.preptoolkit.fema.gov/Public/PositionTaskBook/View/PTB-1108?q=cert |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=rtlt.preptoolkit.fema.gov}}</ref>
* FEMA CERT volunteer type 1<ref>{{Cite web |title=View Position Task Book - RTLT |url=https://rtlt.preptoolkit.fema.gov/Public/PositionTaskBook/View/PTB-1112?q=cert |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=rtlt.preptoolkit.fema.gov}}</ref>
* FEMA CERT section chief<ref>{{Cite web |title=View Position Task Book - RTLT |url=https://rtlt.preptoolkit.fema.gov/Public/PositionTaskBook/View/PTB-1109?q=cert |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=rtlt.preptoolkit.fema.gov}}</ref>
* FEMA CERT team leader type 2<ref>{{Cite web |title=View Position Task Book - RTLT |url=https://rtlt.preptoolkit.fema.gov/Public/PositionTaskBook/View/PTB-1111?q=cert |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=rtlt.preptoolkit.fema.gov}}</ref>
* FEMA CERT team leader type 1<ref>{{Cite web |title=View Position Task Book - RTLT |url=https://rtlt.preptoolkit.fema.gov/Public/PositionTaskBook/View/PTB-1110?q=cert |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=rtlt.preptoolkit.fema.gov}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Disaster Preparedness and Response Team]]{{snd}}a [[Pakistan]]-based non-governmental organization modeled after CERT.
* [[Local Emergency Planning Committee]]
* [[Medical Reserve Corps]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [https://www.ready.gov/community-emergency-response-team Citizen Corps CERT]
* [https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/individuals-communities/preparedness-activities-webinars/community-emergency-response-team CERT Training Materials (Program Manager, Trainer, Participant,...)]
{{Citizen Corps partners}}

[[Category:Emergency management in the United States]]
[[Category:Federal Emergency Management Agency]]