The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program helps train people to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities. When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community.

CERT training includes disaster preparedness, disaster fire suppression, basic disaster medical operations, and light search and rescue operations.

Over the next two years, the CERT program aims to double the number of participants, with over 400,000 individuals completing the 20 plus hours of training. Train-the-Trainer sessions will be held in all U.S. states and territories over the next year to expand the program throughout the United States.

In addition, CERT members participate in various emergency preparedness activities. In order for members to maintain and refine their skills The Greater Tampa CERT holds monthly meetings and continued educational series throughout the county.

To obtain more information regarding CERT training, call the Tampa Fire Training Academy at (813) 242-5410, or email at info@greatertampacert.com.

For more information:
Tampa Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.)
National C.E.R.T. web site