Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

CERT | Utah Emergency Management

The Point

What Is CERT?

CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team. It is a FEMA-backed training program that teaches everyday people basic disaster response skills so they can help themselves and their neighbors when professional responders are overwhelmed or unavailable.

Empowering Everyday People

CERT gives you practical skills to take action when it counts. No professional background required — training is open to anyone in the community.

Free Training

The Basic CERT course is 24–30 hours of classroom instruction and hands-on practice, provided at no cost through your local CERT program.

Recognized Nationwide

CERT is a nationally recognized program managed by FEMA. Utah CERT volunteers are part of a network of trained community responders across the country.

Programs for Everyone

CERT programs exist for individuals, teens, workplaces, and college campuses. There is a program format designed for your situation.

Ready to join? Find a CERT program near you at FEMA's CERT locator. Contact your local Emergency Manager for Utah-specific program information.

The Curriculum

What You'll Learn

The Basic CERT course covers the core skills you need to respond safely and effectively in the first hours of a disaster, when professional help may not yet be available.

Basic CERT Course — 24–30 Hours
Disaster Preparedness Build personal and household emergency plans. Understand the types of hazards in your area and the actions that protect lives.
CERT Organization & Teamwork Learn how CERT teams are structured and how to work safely and effectively alongside other trained volunteers under stress.
Disaster Medical Operations Provide basic medical care when professional help is unavailable — including treating life-threatening injuries and conducting triage.
Fire Safety & Utility Controls Safely suppress small fires, use extinguishers, and shut off utilities to prevent additional hazards after a disaster.
Light Search & Rescue Locate and safely assist victims in damaged structures while protecting yourself and your team from additional hazards.
Disaster Psychology Understand how disaster affects people's behavior and mental state — and how to support yourself and others through the process.
Hazardous Materials Awareness Recognize potential hazardous materials situations and know when to take protective actions and when to defer to professionals.
Course Capstone: Disaster Simulation Apply everything you've learned in a hands-on simulation exercise before completing your certification.

Hybrid training available. Many Utah programs offer a hybrid format — online lectures plus local hands-on practice — making it easier to complete training around your schedule.

After Training

Ways to Get Involved

Once you complete CERT training, your local program may offer a variety of opportunities to put your skills to use — both during emergencies and in ongoing community preparedness efforts.

Community Preparedness Education Help your neighbors get ready before disaster strikes — through preparedness fairs, presentations, and neighborhood outreach.
Emergency Communications Support Assist with public information and communications during disaster response operations.
Disaster Drills & Exercises Participate in local, regional, and statewide exercises to keep your skills sharp and support emergency management operations.
Shelter & Mass Care Operations Support emergency shelter operations, volunteer coordination, and mass care efforts during disaster response.
Flood Response & Recovery Assist with flood response including sandbagging, debris removal support, and resident welfare checks.
Community Event Support Provide first aid, logistics support, and safety awareness at local community events.

Activities vary by local program. Contact your CERT coordinator to learn what opportunities are available in your area.

Learn at Your Own Pace

Online Training Options

Can't make it to an in-person program yet? Start building your skills online. Online training can count toward certification when combined with a local hands-on component through your program coordinator.

Online CERT Trainingonlinecert.org — Self-paced online course
Be Ready Utah Training VideosYouTube — Preparedness and response video library

Online training does not replace hands-on practice. You must complete an in-person practical component through your local CERT program to receive certification. Contact your local program coordinator to arrange this.

For Participants & Program Managers

Resources

Find a CERT Program Near YouFEMA CERT Program Locator
Ready.gov CERTNational CERT program information
FEMA CERT Program PageNational program overview, guides, and tools
National CERT AssociationConnecting CERT programs and volunteers nationwide
Utah Division of Emergency Managementdem.utah.gov — State CERT program support

Program managers: Contact Utah DEM for instructor training, program startup resources, liability guidance, and exercise support. Need materials in an accessible format? Contact us.