Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

Community Emergency Response Team

CERT is a nationwide program of the Department of Homeland Security and can be described as neighbors helping neighbors. The program helps educate community members about disaster preparedness for local hazards including fire safety, disaster medical operations, and light search and rescue. CERT is a volunteer training and volunteer organization designed to have the community respond when first responders are overloaded and work alongside them. 

Recruiting a New Team!

Spring 2026 CERT class is currently full. Check in here for future CERT class announcements. 

CERT training consists of 9 units including: 

• • Disaster Preparedness
  • CERT Organization
  • Disaster Medical Operations
  • Disaster Psychology
  • Fire Safety and Utility Control
  • Light Search and Rescue Operations
  • CERT and Terrorism

If there are no current classes available and you are interested in joining a CERT Team in Lancaster County, please fill out a short survey. We will reach out to the provided email address when additional classes are available.