Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. CERT offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks.

Before, during, and after disasters, CERT volunteer teams perform basic response activities, including checking in on neighbors, distributing information to the public, supporting emergency operations centers, and helping to manage traffic and crowds. Local CERT programs train and organize teams of volunteers to assist their families, neighbors, co-workers, and other community members during emergencies when professional responders may not be immediately available to provide assistance. CERT offers various opportunities with you in mind.

Corvallis CERT

Corvallis’s local chapter is sponsored by the Corvallis Fire Department and is led by the office of emergency management. The Corvallis CERT curriculum is taught using an eight-unit, go-at-your-own-pace online course, as seen below, followed by an in-person skills check weekend where volunteers are able to practice skills such as fire suppression, basic medical aid, and light search and rescue.

1. Disaster Preparedness
2. CERT Organization
3. Disaster Medical Operations - Part 1
4. Disaster Medical Operations - Part 2
5. Disaster Psychology
6. Fire Safety and Utility Controls
7. Light Search and Rescue Operations
8. Terrorism and CERT
9. Course Review, Final Exam, and Disaster Simulation

After completion of this course, participants have to opportunity to join Corvallis CERT as a volunteer. There is a place for everyone in Corvallis CERT. Our members come from all walks of life. Preparedness is a skill for everyone.

Volunteers can help in a variety of roles, from administrative support to on-the-ground activation in the event of an emergency. When called upon in the past, Corvallis CERT members have assisted at the Benton County Fairground Evacuation Center during the 2020 wildfires, COVID-19 Vaccination clinics, and much more.

Benefits of Joining CERT

Active CERT Volunteers also have access to monthly additional training on special topics, past topics have included Winter Preparedness, Household Fire Safety, Evacuation Planning, and Dealing with Pets in Emergencies. CERT volunteers also have access to monthly refreshers and additional training on special topics such as Winter Preparedness, Household Fire Safety, Pets in Emergencies, and Run/Hide/Fight Active Shooter Preparedness. For more information about Corvallis CERT, emergency preparedness, or wish to learn more about resources available for your organization or community, please reach us at CorvallisCERT@corvallisoregon.gov.