Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
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What is CERT?
Baltimore City CERT is a training program educates volunteers on how to prepare for hazards and cope with emergencies. Baltimore City CERT courses and drills cover basic disaster prevention, preparation, and response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, communications, and emergency medical procedures.
Baltimore City CERT members have the opportunity to volunteer with the Baltimore City Office of Emergency Management to support outreach, emergency response, and recovery operations.
Why Join CERT
Its free!
OEM CERT Members learn how to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe before, during, and after a disaster. You will become a trusted and trained team member.
Using this training, CERT-trained individuals can assist others in their family, their neighborhood, and their community until first responders arrive.
OEM CERT members build strong community relationships, assist and volunteer during large local events, and gain experience helping those in need during emergencies.
OEM CERT members meet quarterly throughout the year for trainings and informational sessions – in-person and hybrid meeting options exist.
Who is eligible to Join CERT
You are eligible to become a Baltimore City CERT Member if you live or work in Baltimore City and are at least 18 years of age.
Once you have become a CERT member you are expected to meet the following requirements:
- Register for a FEMA SID here: Register for your FEMA SID (dhs.gov)
- Within 2 months of taking the CERT Basic Training complete the following two online classes:
CERT and the Incident Command System (ICS)
Introduction to Community Emergency Response Team
- Support one outreach event per year.
Next Step to joining CERT
Step 1 – Prior to attending our kick-off meeting/training in March 2023 (date TBD) please complete the following online/free/self-paced training: CERT Basic Training | Ready.gov (fema.gov)
Step 2 – Email your CERT Basic Training Certificate to cert@baltimorecity.gov
Step 3 – Be on the lookout for future communications about opportunities to volunteer or participate in outreach events.