Cheektowaga CERT

05/20/2026

Tune in tonight!
Zoom meeting info down below...

CERT Continuing Education - Leadership 101: It's Okay to be Afraid
Wednesday, May 20, 7-9pm Pacific
RSVP: https://lafdcert-may2026.eventbrite.com

The step between Team Member and Team Leader isn't usually one of choice but one of necessity.
The Community Emergency Response Team Training doesn't tell you that they are teaching you how to be a leader, but if you read between the lines, you'll realize that's exactly what it is doing.
It can be a scary idea to step into a Leadership Role when lives are on the line, but every new leader goes through the same process.
If you aren't afraid of failing or getting someone hurt the first time you lead a team, you're probably doing something wrong.
We'll go you why being afraid is normal and what you can focus on, and tips and tricks to be a successful first-time leader.

Topic: CERT Continuing Education - Leadership 101: It's Okay to be Afraid
Time: May 20, 2026 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://disasterprep-org.zoom.us/j/84610264165?pwd=CTRCclVFBXoH56EQWbAQ9SpUbu3Y0N.1

Meeting ID: 846 1026 4165
Passcode: obzolKC03-

This presentation will be live streamed on our YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/c/lafdcertcoordinators/live
And will be immediately available for replay immediately after the presentation.

RSVP: https://lafdcert-may2026.eventbrite.com

Leading other people when lives are at stake is terrifying, especially your first time, but it's okay to be afraid. It's part of the process

05/05/2026

🚨 Know your skills before it matters.
I built a simple Skills Dashboard to help you actually see where you stand — not guess.
If you're in CERT, emergency management, IT, or just working on real-world readiness, this tool helps you:
✔ See your current skill levels
✔ Spot gaps that need work
✔ Track your progress over time
✔ Build a smarter training path
👉 Try it here: https://chrislw.com/skillsdashboard.html
💬 I’m actively improving this — if you try it, I’d really appreciate your feedback.
What works? What doesn’t? What would make it more useful?
I can make updates quickly, so don’t hold back.
Built for responders. Built for real use.
Track. Improve. Be ready.

05/05/2026

OK Team - who's signing up for the Tunnel to Towers 5K this year?
We'll be staffing the water station in Stieglmier Park.

03/31/2026

Jay presented the AED/CPR certification class at this evening's meeting.
We're looking for the rest of you members!
What keeps you from attending meetings? We're dying to know.

02/25/2026

From Elma CERT:

We will be announcing our free Spring FEMA Basic CERT course soon. Stay tuned and like our page so you dont miss the announcement.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, terrorism awareness, team organization, and disaster medical operations. A Worldwide Network

CERT Teams are organized at the local level, typically by a responder agency. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when first responders are not immediately available to help. Individuals interested in the program generally start with the FEMA Basic CERT training. Many of the Basic CERT Training participants attend only to obtain the knowledge and skills provided throughout the initial training, others choose to participate as an active member of their local team.

Active CERT members have taken the Basic Training and can be called upon by their sponsoring agency during a disaster or other emergency to assist in critical response roles. These roles may include local Emergency Operations Center (EOC) staffing, emergency shelter operations, disaster assessment, first responder support, assisting with decontamination or HAZMAT operations, or other critical tasks that require additional volunteer manpower.

02/24/2026

If you would like to be part of our team, please complete an application:

01/30/2026

A good training opportunity
I recommend all take this
See below

01/14/2026

Consider checking this out!
Volunteering some time during the year serves people in our community who rely on this resource...

12/25/2025