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, light search and rescue, team organizations, and disaster medical operations.

Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in neighborhoods or workplaces following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members are also encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking an active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.