About CERT

Houston's Community Emergency Response Team Program trains ordinary people to help themselves and their neighbors in a disaster. Because of that training, CERT volunteers are often called on to assist in organized disaster response as well. CERT training is free. The Houston CERT Program is part of the Mayor's Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security.

CERT in Houston

The City of Houston CERT Program and the Houston CERT Coordinator coordinate CERT training within the City of Houston. This website is a central source of information about upcoming activities that need CERT-trained volunteers. The program also guides CERT-trained members to additional training and volunteer opportunities.

History of the CERT program

The CERT concept began in the mid-1980s, when the Los Angeles Fire Department saw the need to train residents to help others in a large-scale disaster without putting themselves in harm's way. FEMA formalized the CERT program in 1993, and it is now available nationwide. The curriculum takes an all-hazards approach, and each community emphasizes the natural and manmade disasters it is most vulnerable to. Preparedness steps vary from community to community, but the goal remains the same: "to do the most good for the most amount of people" in an emergency.

Frequently asked questions

If I take the CERT training, what am I obligating myself to do?

CERT is first and foremost an awareness-level disaster preparedness training. The priority is learning how to take care of yourself, your family, and your neighbors in an emergency. Responding as a CERT is voluntary. Once you have taken the 24-hour CERT training, you may choose to join a CERT team in your neighborhood, workplace or place of worship.

What can CERT teams do in an emergency?

Under the direction of local emergency responders, CERT teams help provide critical support by giving immediate assistance to victims, providing damage assessment information, and organizing other volunteers at a disaster site. In a disaster, when resources are likely to be overwhelmed and professional response may be delayed, CERT teams can help "bridge the gap" until professional responders arrive on scene.

Who is eligible to take CERT training?

Anyone age 18 and above. Children aged 15-17 can take the training if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and will receive their CERT certification when they turn 18.

How does CERT help the community?

In addition to supporting emergency responders during a disaster, the CERT program builds strong working relationships between emergency responders and the people they serve. CERT teams also help the community year-round with community emergency plans, neighborhood exercises, preparedness outreach, fire safety education, and workplace safety.

How much does the training cost?

CERT training is free and open to the community and is made possible by Homeland Security Grant funding.