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, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborh
ood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community. Upon completion of their training, CERT members have the option of being assigned to teams based on their residential or workplace locations. In the event of a disaster, after caring for themselves and their families, they can meet with their teams at their pre-designated meeting locations to help their community. The program also regularly provides other events and activities to engage and educate West Pierce CERT members. The members also support emergency response agencies, such as West Pierce Fire and Rescue and Lakewood Police, by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.
