CERT is a program designed to prepare businesses, neighborhood groups and communities for major disasters. Lessons learned from the Northridge earthquake in Los Angeles, Hurricane Andrew in southern Florida and tornadoes throughout the Midwest have shown that your local fire department, ambulance service and law enforcement may not arrive immediately to your business or neighborhood after a major disaster. Simply, you may be on your own from minutes to hours until professional help can arrive. CERT prepares you for that time period until help arrives.

In six lessons, both lecture and practical exercises include:

Search and rescue
Disaster medicine
Initial firefighting and fire extinguishers
Disaster preparedness
Hazardous materials
Team member safety & survival

The CERT classes make your group part of our emergency response system. You will train with firefighters and learn how you can help yourself and others until Boone County Fire District firefighters arrive.

CERT is taught throughout the year. To schedule a class for your business or neighborhood, call our Community Services Bureau at 573.447.5000.