Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program Last updated or reviewed on February 17, 2026 The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for all hazards that may occur in their communities. CERT trains volunteers in basic disaster response skills, such as: Fire safety Light search and rescue Team organization Disaster medical operations The CERT program provides a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disasters, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks. The CERT mission in Asheville is simple: Build a more prepared, informed, and resilient community — one trained neighbor at a time. The Asheville CERT Program, a collaboration by the Asheville Fire Department and FEMA, provides residents with practical skills to help themselves, their families, and their community during emergencies when first responders may be delayed or overwhelmed. The program follows national CERT standards while incorporating Asheville-specific needs and hazards, including flooding, severe weather, wildfire, and community support operations. Asheville Fire Department CERT program application Training Format Participants complete: Online CERT Basic Training – self-paced modules that introduce emergency preparedness, disaster medical, fire safety, light search & rescue, disaster psychology, and team organization. One-Day Hands-On Training – a field-based skills day with Asheville instructors where participants practice real-world scenarios, including: Fire extinguisher operations Cribbing and light rescue Patient carries & basic triage Radio & communications Disaster scene assessment Team roles and organization Completion of both components earns participants a CERT Completion Certificate and inclusion in Asheville’s growing CERT community network. After You Complete the Course Graduates can expect: Involvement in Local CERT Activities Participants are invited to continue their training, support city preparedness initiatives, and participate in neighborhood-level resilience planning. Quarterly CERT Skills Refreshers & Specialty Workshops Asheville will host trainings every quarter to reinforce CERT core skills and address local needs, such as: Flood and storm response support Shelter operations and mass care Damage assessment Communications and volunteer coordination Community event support & education Opportunities to Serve During Emergencies & Community Events CERT volunteers may assist with: Non-emergency support during incidents Public education outreach Missing person search support (non-technical) Logistics and resource support for partner agencies Connections with a Larger Resilience Network Participants become part of a trained, ready, and organized volunteer network built to strengthen community safety and disaster readiness across Asheville. Who Should Join? CERT is ideal for: Residents and neighborhood leaders Faith-based, community, and volunteer groups Educators and students Business and facility staff Anyone interested in preparedness and service No prior emergency experience is needed — just a desire to learn and help others. Public Resources New Hybrid CERT Training on their Facebook Page More information on Hybrid CERT “Nationwide Rollout” National FEMA Hybrid CERT Webinar: History The CERT concept was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1985. The Whittier Narrows earthquake in 1987 underscored the area-wide threat of a major disaster in California. Furthermore, it confirmed the need to train civilians to meet their immediate needs. CERT became a national program in 1993. There are now CERT programs in all 50 states, as well as many tribal nations and U.S. territories. Each is unique to its community, and all are essential to building a Culture of Preparedness in the United States. There are more than 3,200 local CERT programs nationwide, and more than 600,000 people have trained since CERT became a national program. The Asheville Fire Department had already begun exploring the creation of a CERT program when Tropical Storm Helene impacted our region. In the storm’s aftermath, Asheville residents stepped up in powerful ways—checking on neighbors, sharing resources, and looking for meaningful ways to help. The surge in community engagement and interest in emergency preparedness made it clear that there was a strong desire for structured training and coordination. That momentum ultimately led to the official launch of Asheville’s CERT program in spring 2026, creating a pathway for residents to be trained, organized, and ready to support their community during emergencies. Contact Information Jeremy Brooks, Fire, Life, and Safety Educator– jbrooks@ashevillenc.gov
