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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

Dallas CERT training emphasizes accountability for yourself, your family, and your community by stressing the importance of personal preparedness and accountability. Our CERT volunteer members are expected to have an awareness of their neighborhoods, and to pre-determine possible evacuation sites that will facilitate effective, safe and rapid response ​to emergencies.​​

The CERT program teaches our volunteer members about disaster preparedness for hazards that affect our area.  The program trains you in basic disaster response skills (fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations).

Two classes have been added to the 2023 schedule, the first is an online Introduction to the Basic CERT course in March, and the second is an in-person full class in April. Please view the schedule below and sign up via the "Apply Now" button. More classes are expected. Please stay tuned or visit us at Twitter.com/DallasCERT.

Apply Now

During a major emergency, when first responders are unable to respond immediately, CERT team members:

• Assume leadership roles and coordinate spontaneous volunteers.
• Assess situations and properly brief emergency responders when they arrive.
• Recognize the potential hazards associated with a particular type of event and take appropriate action.
• Assist others with the emotional distress realated to major emergencies and disaster conditions.      
• Administer first aid and/or triage casualties.

CERT members have proven themselves nationally to be an active and vital part of their communities preparedness and response capability. For example, CERT members have been used to:

• Build a network of trained citizens within neighborhoods, businesses​, and places of worship to assist with a basic emergency response during emergencies or disasters.
• Assist with evacuations and traffic control.
• Promote community awareness of potential hazards and preparedness measures.
• Supplement staffing at special events such as parades and public safety activities.
• Portray victims in training exercises.