About CERT

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is a nationally recognized training initiative developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and modeled after the original program created by the Los Angeles City Fire Department. Since its launch in 1994, CERT programs have been established in communities across the country to strengthen local emergency preparedness.

CERT training promotes a strong partnership between emergency responders and the residents they serve. The program prepares everyday community members with basic disaster response skills so they can assist themselves, their families, and their neighbors during emergencies—especially when professional responders are delayed or overwhelmed.

In Homewood, CERT members become an important extension of the Village’s emergency response capability. During disasters, trained CERT volunteers can provide immediate assistance using the skills and organizational techniques learned through the program. These skills are also valuable in everyday emergencies, not just large-scale disasters.

CERT members continue to build and maintain their skills by participating in exercises, simulations, and ongoing training opportunities. Volunteers may also assist with community projects that improve overall emergency preparedness and resilience in Homewood.

CERT Training

Homewood’s CERT Basic Training program teaches participants how to:

• Understand the types of hazards most likely to affect their homes and community

• Prepare themselves and their households for emergencies and disasters

• Identify fire hazards and apply safe, basic fire suppression techniques

• Provide lifesaving medical aid, including bleeding control, shock treatment, and triage

• Conduct safe search and rescue operations, including victim assessment and debris removal

Training Details

Who: Homewood residents ages 18 and older

 When: Mondays, January 26 through March 21

 Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

 Capstone: A full-scale disaster simulation to put skills into action

 Cost: No fee to participate

To register, please click this form: 

No prior experience is required.