Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

CERTCommunity Emergency Response Team

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program trains volunteers to help themselves and others in the immediate aftermath of a disaster and to provide directed-assistance to public safety and City officials in the aftermath.

We currently have several hundred Norfolk residents and employees who have completed Norfolk CERT training. The goal is to have trained volunteers in every neighborhood.

Two Important Factors

CERT recognizes two important factors in major disasters:

  • There will be times when the number and scope of incidents can overwhelm conventional emergency services.
    • A high number of victims, communication failures, road blockages, and flooding are among the impediments to quick fire and police response.
  • Under these kinds of conditions, family members, fellow employees, and neighbors will spontaneously try to help each other.

Basic Training for CERT Volunteers

While people will respond to others in need without training, CERT provides basic training to help volunteers respond in an organized and safe manner, and to guide others in responding effectively and efficiently without placing themselves in unnecessary danger. CERT volunteers are taught an all-hazard approach, including how to:

  • Help in their neighborhood
  • Learn basic response skills
  • Learn to triage and treat injuries
  • Prevent injury or damage in their own home
  • Quickly evaluate a rescue situation
  • Shut off water and gas utilities
  • Use a fire extinguisher

Completion of Training

Upon completion of training, each person will receive a CERT Kit with preparedness items.

Post Training
Once trained, CERT volunteers are called on for other functions, including assisting at major city events and community outreach in preparedness. CERT volunteers also participate in city- and region-wide training exercises.

How to Register

If you would like more information regarding CERT or would like to register for an upcoming class contact: Scott Mahone, Deputy Coordinator Emergency Management, 757-441-5619.

To learn more, please check out the CERT website.