Johnson County Emergency Management

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 neighborhood 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.

Local government prepares for everyday emergencies. However, there can be an emergency or disaster that can overwhelm the community's immediate response capability. While adjacent jurisdictions, State, and Federal resources can activate to help, there may be a delay for them getting to those who need them. The primary reason for CERT training is to give people the decision-making, organizational, and practical skills to offer immediate assistance to family members, neighbors, and associates while waiting for help. While people will respond to others in need without the training, the goal of the CERT program is to help people do so effectively and efficiently without placing themselves in unnecessary danger.

Naturals for the training are neighborhood watch, community organizations, communities of faith, school staff, workplace employees, scouting organization and other groups that come together regularly for a common purpose. CERT skills are useful in disaster and everyday life events.

Do you still have questions concerning C.E.R.T.?  Visit the FEMA website for frequently asked questions: Johnson County Emergency Management offers C.E.R.T. training approximately twice a year, free of charge.  The course is offered once in the fall and once in the spring.  We can schedule other training dates for groups of 10 participants or more.  Johnson County has a Community Emergency Response Team of approximately 35 members, from all different backgrounds.  If you are interested in joining our team or just interested in the training, please contact our office at 660-747-2666.  We look forward to hearing from you.