The CERT concept was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) in 1985. The Whittier Narrows earthquake in 1987 underscored the area-wide threat of a major disaster in California. Further, it confirmed the need for training civilians to meet their immediate needs. As a result, the LAFD created the Disaster Preparedness Division with the purpose of training citizens and private and government employees.
Fast forward, since 1993 when this training was made available nationally by the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), communities in 28 states and Puerto Rico have conducted CERT training. Learn more about CERT as described by FEMA, including your local CERT if you don't live in Cary.
CERTs are not intended to replace a community's response capability, but rather, to serve as an important support service. Safety is our upmost priority and members must know their capabilities and limitations and work within those boundaries. Trained CERT members are considered "Good Samaritans" and are covered under the Volunteer Protection Act.
Alexander County CERT was founded in 2017 and is in the process of becoming a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization soon. We are a Citizen Corps program which is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within the Department of Homeland Security. We are sponsored by the Alexander County Department of Emergency Management.
Members are expected to complete the required FEMA's Basic Training Course consisting of disaster preparedness, disaster fire suppression, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue operations, disaster psychology and team organization. This free course is provided by us, and some other local CERTs, a few times each year.
Our GO TEAM members have completed FEMA's Basic Training Course as well as FEMA's online coursework IS-100.B, IS-200.B, and IS-700.A to ensure members have the requisite background (IS-800.B is also recommended but not required). The GO TEAM regularly conducts exercises such as search and rescue. When called upon, the TEAM will provide support services to the Cary Fire Department.
If you are interested in joining us, you must complete our Membership Information form and our Acknowledgment of Risk and Release of Liability form. These forms can be emailed to you as well by inquiring with webmaster@AlexanderCERT.org.
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