Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

About CERT

Chesterfield County’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is based on the American tradition of neighbors helping neighbors prepare for emergencies. It provides support and direction is provided by Chesterfield Fire and EMS through the Office of Emergency Management, and works closely with other volunteer programs such as the Chesterfield Medical Reserve Corps and Chesterfield Neighborhood Watch. Learn more about the Chesterfield Emergency Planning Committee.

More than 1,000 people have completed initial CERT training. Additional training is offered after graduation. CERT members will be offered opportunities to participate in outreach events and disaster exercises. Learn more about the program in the CERT video.

  1. Course Overview and Registration

Course Overview

The CERT course is a free 24-hour program offered to the community members 18 years of age and older which provides them with the basic emergency response skills that are essential in the critical time after a disaster and before emergency responders arrive on scene. Instructors provide hands-on training in such critical areas as:

  • Basic Emergency Medical Skills
  • Emergency Communications
  • Fire Safety and Suppression
  • Disaster Preparedness
  • Disaster Psychology
  • Search and Rescue Techniques

Graduates earn a certificate and CERT emergency gear including a backpack and helmet. View the course syllabus (PDF)

Registration and Waitlist

Complete the CERT Training Registration form to be notified regarding upcoming CERT classes.

  1. Existing Members
  1. Online and Additional Training
  1. Request CERT Members as Volunteers

CERT Team in Action

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