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Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
About CERT
Chesterfield County’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is based on the American tradition of neighbors helping neighbors prepare for emergencies. It provides support and direction is provided by Chesterfield Fire and EMS through the Office of Emergency Management, and works closely with other volunteer programs such as the Chesterfield Medical Reserve Corps and Chesterfield Neighborhood Watch. Learn more about the Chesterfield Emergency Planning Committee.
More than 1,000 people have completed initial CERT training. Additional training is offered after graduation. CERT members will be offered opportunities to participate in outreach events and disaster exercises. Learn more about the program in the CERT video.
Course Overview
The CERT course is a free 24-hour program offered to the community members 18 years of age and older which provides them with the basic emergency response skills that are essential in the critical time after a disaster and before emergency responders arrive on scene. Instructors provide hands-on training in such critical areas as:
- Basic Emergency Medical Skills
- Emergency Communications
- Fire Safety and Suppression
- Disaster Preparedness
- Disaster Psychology
- Search and Rescue Techniques
Graduates earn a certificate and CERT emergency gear including a backpack and helmet. View the course syllabus (PDF)
Registration and Waitlist
Complete the CERT Training Registration form to be notified regarding upcoming CERT classes.
Existing Members
After graduation, make sure to enter your volunteer hours for training, exercises and public outreach events. If your personal or contact information changes, please email CERT. You can also view the CERT Code of Conduct (PDF).
We welcome CERT members who have been trained in other localities and are now in the Chesterfield area. If you would like to be added to our CERT team, please email the CERT Team all of your contact information with a copy of your CERT Certificate of Completion.
Record Your Volunteer Hours
Additional Training
These courses do not replace the 24 hour in person CERT Basic class. These classes are for additional training and knowledge. Follow the instructions on any of the online FEMA courses to request a student ID.
You will only have to request an ID one time and that ID is necessary to take the final test for a certificate of completion. All CERT members are encouraged to email the CERT Team with certificates of completion.
Online Courses
- IS-10.a - Animals in Disasters: Awareness and Preparedness
- IS 11.a - Animals in Disasters: Community Planning
- IS 22 - Are You Ready?: An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness
- IS-100 - Intro to Incident Command System
- IS 244.b - Developing and Managing Volunteers
- IS 288- The Role of Volunteer Agencies in Emergency Management
- IS-317 - Introduction to Community Emergency Response Teams
- IS 324.a - Community Hurricane Preparedness
- IS 394.a - Protecting Your Home or Small Business in Disaster
- IS-700 - National Incident Management System (NIMS) An Introduction
CERT - Level 2
Level 2 CERT members will be called upon to assist in response and recovery efforts including sheltering, logistics, outreach and amateur radio. Requirements for Level 2 CERT include:
- 24 Hour CERT Basic Class
- Background Check
- CERT Member Must Work or Reside in Chesterfield County
- CPR/AED/First Aid
- Disaster Psychology
- HIPPA Training
- IS-100
- IS-700
- Specialty Training in Functional Area
Opportunities will be offered throughout the year to enter the Level 2 program.
Request CERT Members as Volunteers
To request CERT members as volunteers to assist with your community event, complete the CERT Volunteer Request form.
