Following a disaster, community members may be on their own for a period of time because of the size of the area affected, lost communications, and impassable roads.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program supports local response capability by training volunteers to organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers at the disaster site, to provide immediate assistance to victims, and to collect disaster intelligence to support responders' efforts when they arrive.

In the classroom, participants learn about the hazards they face and ways to prepare. CERT members are taught skills that can be used to help themselves, their loved ones and their neighbors until help arrives.

Springfield Township will be providing this training for Springfield Township residents. Training consists of 20 hours of instruction on topics that include disaster preparedness, fire safety, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster psychology. Upon completion of the training, participants are encouraged to continue their involvement by participating in training activities and volunteering for projects that support Springfield Township's disaster preparedness efforts.

Classes are scheduled to take place October 28, 30, November 4, 6, 11, 13 from 6:30-10:00 p.m. and are held at the Springfield Township fire station at 9150 Winton Road. Participants of the class must be able to attend all classes and nust be residents of Springfield Township. 

Due to the extensive training involved, only 20 participants can be accepted into this program. You are NOT guaranteed a place in class until the registration is approved and a background check is completed.  After registering online, you will receive a background check authorization form. You will receive notification if you have been accepted into the program.