Chesapeake In The Know

If you’re the type of person whose instinct is to run towards an emergency to help, you could be a great fit with the Community Emergency Response Team or CERT. CERT is a group of volunteers educated in disaster preparedness and trained in basic response skills such as fire safety, search and rescue, and more.

To be a part of CERT, you must go through classroom and exercise training with the Chesapeake Fire Department. No previous experience is necessary but you will need to submit a background check and a local DMV driving history check. Once you’re part of the team, you may be called upon to help our community following a disaster when professional responders aren’t immediately available.  CERT volunteers are also encouraged to participate in emergency preparedness projects, helping their fellow citizens learn the importance of being ready for disasters.

CERT training takes place twice a year.  Find the application and more information at CityofChesapeake.net/Fire and click on CERT.