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When the roads close, neighbors are the first responders.

Avery County CERT trains residents to look after their own communities in the first 72 hours after a disaster — checking on neighbors, keeping a radio network running, and getting help where it’s needed. The training is free.

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After Helene, no one could reach us for days.

  • Across the region, about three-quarters of cell sites failed. In places, 911 went silent.
  • North Carolina had 72 CERT teams when Helene hit. None were working in Avery, Mitchell, Yancey or Watauga — there were none here to send.
  • The state’s own review asked for the West to be “better prepared with localized assets equipped to handle the first 72 hours.”

Neighbors did the work anyway — clearing roads, carrying water, checking on each other. CERT gives that effort training, equipment, radios and legal standing.

What CERT members do

Check on neighbors
Door-to-door welfare checks when phones and 911 are down — the only method that worked in several counties in 2024.
Pass the word by radio
A neighborhood radio network that runs without cell service, internet or the power grid.
Run supply points
Help staff points of distribution for water, food and fuel, as Elk Park, Banner Elk and Frank did with no trained staff.
Organize volunteers
Sign in and direct the neighbors and out-of-town helpers who show up, so their effort goes where it’s needed.
Support shelters
Help at shelters and reception centers alongside the county and the Red Cross.
Assess damage
Report damage, blocked roads and failed bridges quickly and accurately to Emergency Management.

More about the program and the training

Live in Avery County or nearby?

Join the first classes. No experience needed — there’s a job for everyone, from radio to first aid to logistics.

Sign up for training

Work for a county, town or partner?

Use our step-by-step guide, cost calculator and funding list to stand up CERT in your county — or join a regional class with us.

Open the toolkit

Coming up

All training and events

No classes are scheduled yet. Sign up and we’ll tell you as soon as the first CERT Basic class opens.

Where the program stands

  1. County sponsorship approved Done

    Avery County Emergency Management agreed to sponsor the program.

  2. Registered with the state and FEMA Under way

    New program application to NC Emergency Management and national registration.