Oregon Marks 40 Years of Community Emergency Response Teams

When a disaster happens, neighbors may be the first people able to help one another. During National Community Emergency Response Team Week, Sept. 20-26, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management is recognizing the volunteers who train for that role and encouraging more residents to get involved.

Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, volunteers learn basic skills that can help them act safely while professional responders handle the most urgent calls. Training covers disaster medical operations, fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, and team organization. Depending on the needs of their local program, volunteers may also help at emergency operations centers, manage traffic or crowds, and share preparedness information at community events.

Oregon has more than 50 active CERT programs, each organized locally with a sponsoring agency such as a fire department, city, or emergency management office. Programs can serve neighborhoods, workplaces, campuses, and teens.

The week’s theme, “Carrying the Torch: 40 Years & Beyond,” marks the program’s 40th anniversary. Oregon emergency officials say the work extends beyond responding to disasters: CERT members also take part in exercises and help their neighbors prepare in advance. More than 60 CERT volunteers serve as coordinators for the state’s Be 2 Weeks Ready program.

Residents interested in training or volunteering can use the state’s CERT program page to look for a team in their area. Douglas County residents can also find local preparedness information through Douglas County Emergency Management. The state’s CERT page lists community.preparedness@oem.oregon.gov for questions about a program or starting a team.