MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training is a free program in Memphis that teaches life-saving skills and there are three more sessions for the year.
The state of Tennessee provides administrative support and acts as a liaison to FEMA for locally-led CERT programs in the state. Across Tennessee there are three major CERT training courses and over 30 locally based CERT programs.
To search for a nearby CERT program see: Find a CERT.
The CERT training course in Memphis is offered for free by the Shelby County Emergency Management and Homeland Security and the Memphis Office of Emergency Management (OEM).
CERT educates individuals about emergency preparedness and basic disaster response skills. Students gain the confidence to know what do before, during and after a disaster. The program also teaches students how to help family, neighbors, and co-workers until professional rescuers arrive on the scene.
CERT training covers several topics presented through lectures, videos and hands-on exercises to teach students what to do in the event of a disaster.
Topics
- How to extinguish a small fire with an ABC fire extinguisher
- Disaster Psychology
- Medical Triage and Basic First Aid
- Hazardous Materials
- Disaster Preparedness (Learn how to create a "go kit" for home, work, and auto)
- Light Search and Rescue
- Terrorism
This is a 16-hour course taught over 2 days. Students have to attend both Saturdays to get certified.
Participants have to be 18 or older, unless accompanied by an adult.
Training Dates:
For more information on other CERT programs around the nation visit here.
