CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) is a nationwide initiative.  The goal is for professional emergency responders to train members of the community in basic response and organizational skills. CERT prepares and educates the community to meet the needs of the community following an event when professional responders have not arrived on the scene.  These skills can help save and sustain lives.  CERT members are then integrated into the emergency response capability within their area. We are first responders and citizens working together to build safer communities.

History has shown that when a catastrophic event occurs, citizens naturally step forward to provide life saving services to their friends and neighbors.  There have been those who have felt inclined to help their neighbors and those around them when they were most in need.  So, what is CERT? We are neighbors helping neighbors.  In a large-scale community or regional disaster, the most likely first responder will be a neighbor.  We are your trained and prepared neighbors, ready to assist our community in a safe and organized manner.

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Have you felt there may be something you could do in an emergency?  Have you ever wanted to help your community?  If your answer is yes, we need you. Polk County’s CERT teams are “People Helping People” within our community.  The Polk CERT program is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations, where its members can make a difference! 

Members of the Polk County CERT teams are trained to better respond in emergency situations within our community. When emergencies happen, CERT members provide critical support to our community professional responders.  We become part of a team of community members providing assistance when an emergency occurs.