DEMA Announces Relaunch of CERT Initiative In Recognition of National Preparedness Month

Get to Know CERT at Family Emergency Preparedness (FEP) Day
September 13th at Brecknock County Park, Camden, DE

(Smyrna, DE) - In observance of National Preparedness Month this September, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) relaunches the free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) initiative. This expanded program provides critical basic skills training in emergency readiness and response. Because bystanders are the first to provide aid in 95% of emergencies, CERT participants receive classroom instruction in preparedness and disaster response, along with hands-on activities and simulations that prepare them to render basic support in the critical time before first responders arrive.

The newly augmented FEMA-funded program will focus on building teams across all of Delaware and will enable individual counties to track the availability of newly qualified CERT Teams and members.

"Emergency readiness starts at home, locally, with individuals within the community. When disaster strikes, community members are often in the best position to provide support until first responders arrive," commented DEMA Director, A.J. Schall. "The expanded CERT program encourages the formation of local teams that support county and city response efforts to protect families and communities."

The new CERT program features enhanced training in partnership with Delaware State Fire School instructors - to afford citizens a more proactive role in their own safety and in the well-being of their communities. CERT teams can be formed within neighborhoods and apartment complexes, homeowner's associations, in the workplace, and on campuses with special programs developed specifically for Teen participation. Newly minted CERT Team members will receive CERT Emergency Kits. Visit the Sussex County CERT Team Trailer at FEP Day or https://preparede.org/cert/ for more information, and visit Delaware Statewide CERT Registration/Application to apply.

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