Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTS) are not volunteer fire fighters.  CERTS are a self-reliant group of private citizens trained in the basic skills they will need to respond to their community’s immediate needs in the aftermath of a disaster.   

Following a disaster caused by an earthquake, tornado, windstorm, wildfire or even flooding; damage can affect all elements of society and government.  Devastating events severely restrict and overwhelm the community’s response resources, communications, transportation and utilities.  Which leave individuals cut off from outside support.  It takes time for emergency response agencies to set up and prepare for an organized effort.  Damaged roads and disrupted communications systems can restrict access to critically affected areas.  The initial period immediately following a disaster - often up to 72 hours - may mean that individuals, households, and neighbors need to rely on their own resources for food, water, first aid, and shelter.  Preparedness, planning, survival skills and shared assistance within a community and work sites during this initial period are essential in coping with the aftermath of disaster.

The CERT Program is designed to prepare citizens, their families, neighbors and workmates in the event of a catastrophic disaster.  Because emergency services personnel will not be able to help everyone immediately, citizens can make a difference by using the training in this program to save lives and protect property.

 CERT training covers basic skills that are important to know in a disaster when emergency services are not available.  With training and practice by working as a team, you will be able to do the greatest good for the greatest number of persons after a disaster, while protecting yourself from becoming a victim.   Emergency personnel including fire fighters and paramedics, who give hands on instruction, do this training.

Course Objectives include the following:  

• Disaster Preparedness

• Fire suppression

• Medical Operations Parts I & II

• Light Search and Rescue

• Disaster Psychology and Team Organization

Mohave County currently has 100 active members from Mohave Valley, Golden Shores and Bullhead City.  If interested please contact:

• Emergency Mgmt Coordinator -------- Byron Steward  (928) 757-0910, byron.steward@co.mohave.az.us 

• Emergency Mgmt Assistant Coordinator -------- Mike Browning (928) 757-0910, mike.browning@co.mohave.az.us

CERT Demonstration Video-56K Modem (You must have Real Player to view video) - Click to view

CERT Demonstration Video-28K Modem (You must have Real Player to view video) - Click to view

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