Common questions

A Community Emergency Response Team is a group of trained neighbors who can look after their own community in the first hours and days after a disaster — checking on people, passing information, running supply points and giving basic first aid — until, and alongside, professional help. It’s a national FEMA program, run locally.

No. Training is free to you, and members receive a protective kit (helmet, vest, gloves, first-aid basics and more).

CERT Basic is 21 hours, and there’s a hybrid option with part of it online. After that, members take part in at least four activities a year — drills, radio check-ins, preparedness events.

No. Many jobs need no heavy lifting: radio, sign-in, logistics, checking on neighbors. Tell us what works for you.

No. CERT members work inside a defined, limited scope. Only Avery County Emergency Management activates the team, members never self-deploy, and you can always say no.

Being on the roster and activated by the county is what brings the legal protections North Carolina gives emergency volunteers. The county is settling insurance and workers’ compensation before the first class graduates.

Yes. Part-time residents are a big part of our community, and the online portion of the training helps.

No. CERT supports fire, rescue and EMS and takes simple tasks off their hands. Fire chiefs help shape the program.

Yes, for members, before you’re issued an ID and equipment.

Yes — sign up and tell us your county. If your county doesn’t have a program yet, the toolkit shows how to start one, and we’ll connect you with others nearby.

CERT Basic exists in Spanish. Tick “Training in Spanish” when you sign up so we can plan for it.