CERT across Western North Carolina
Programs in the mountains and foothills that we know of. If yours is missing — or you’re thinking about starting one — tell us, so counties can learn from each other.
Active programs
Black Mountain CERT
Buncombe County, NC · Sponsored by Black Mountain Fire Department
Organized spring 2025. Built a GMRS radio network that runs without internet or grid power.
City of Asheville CERT
Buncombe County, NC · Sponsored by Asheville Fire Department
Blended online and in-person training, launched spring 2026.
Henderson County CERT
Henderson County, NC · Sponsored by Henderson County Rescue Squad
Organized in 2025.
Getting started
Avery County CERT
Avery County, NC · Sponsored by Avery County Emergency Management
County sponsorship approved September 2026. First classes planned for 2027.
A regional approach works here. Counties in NCEM’s Western Branch share an area coordinator and a yearly CERT training day. One instructor cadre, a shared radio plan and joint purchasing make each new county cheaper and faster — about $82,000 instead of $126,300 in the first year.