What is CERT and how will it help you, your family and your neighbors?

A Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a group that is organized and receives special training that enhances their ability to prepare for, respond to, recover from and mitigate against a major emergency or disaster situation. CERT is organized under the Brevard County Department of Fire Rescue.

When a major emergency overwhelms normally available resources, Response delays of hours or even days may occur; someone with "basic skills training" should be able to immediately assist those in distress. CERT recognizes that a well-prepared community is a vital resource to professionals. Realistically, it's not a question of IF a Brevard Community will face a disaster, but WHEN. CERT is about being prepared for that disaster, whenever, wherever it comes.
To Top

What would you do ?

People will have to learn to rely on each other for help in order to meet their immediate
life saving and life sustaining needs. The CERT course will benefit any Brevard citizen who takes it. This individual will be better prepared to respond to and cope with the aftermath of a disaster. Additionally, if a Brevard community wants to supplement its response capability after a disaster, civilians can be recruited and trained as neighborhood, business, and government teams that, in essence, will be auxiliary responders. These groups can provide immediate assistance to victims in their area, organize spontaneous volunteers who have not had the training, and collect disaster intelligence that will assist professional responders with prioritization and allocation of resources following a disaster.
To Top

What Does the Course Involve?

The CERT course is delivered in your Brevard community by a team of first responders who have the requisite knowledge and skills to instruct the sessions. CERT training for community groups is usually delivered in 2 1/2 hour sessions, one evening a week over a 7 week period, at a location that is agreed upon by the students and the instructors. To learn more, go here.
To Top

I Can't Do This Alone!

You don't have to! Brevard's response to the CERT program has been spectacular! In fact, there is probably a CERT already active in your community. Also, don't worry that you might be too late, new teams are forming all the time, and new members are always needed! And remember, you use your new CERT training first in your own home, to help protect your own family!
To Top

I'M READY, SIGN ME UP!

The next CERT class is:

For more information on the CERT program

• Brevard County Fire Rescue
• Florida Statewide CERT http://www.floridacert.com/