The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community

As a part of the President's Homeland Security plan, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programs are being formed in cities and localities all across America. To date approximately 3,500 Community Emergency Response Teams have been formed across the country.

CERT operates under the Citizen Corps Council plan that brings together community first responders, fire fighters, law enforcement, EMS, emergency managers, and the volunteer community to involve all citizens in emergency preparedness, mitigation, response, crime prevention, and emergency medical training.