Community Emergency Response Team

After basic training, CERT trained individuals do not have to join the volunteer team roster to assist if "called out" by Natrona County Emergency Management (NCEMA). However, if a trained CERT member would like to, they can apply to join the NCEMA CERT Team.

Credentialed CERT applicants are required to be a minimum of 18 years of age at the time of application, have been a resident of Natrona County for at least 1 year, and have not been convicted of a felony crime. Applicants are required to submit to a drug screen. Upon acceptance, a Natrona County CERT team member's status is subject to continued review.

The team works towards being a supplemental force during planned events, community activities, and during times where local emergency responses  can benefit from CERT assistance. Team involvement involves participating in regular CERT Training, held monthly in the evening. This continued training process is key to becoming a coordinated and capable volunteer force in Natrona County.

Monthly meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:00 pm. During these meetings topics vary, but are all aimed at building and maintaining particular skill sets that are key to aiding the community in everything from planned events to major disasters.

Monthly meetings are sometimes joined with other Citizen Volunteer groups, like the Red Cross and Medical Reserve Corps., to promote cross training and teamwork with our partners.

The CERT Basic Training includes research-validated guidance for what to do before, during, and after the hazards our community may face. The program educates individuals about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact our area, training you in basic disaster response skills such as:

• fire safety
• light search and rescue
• team organization
• disaster medical operations using local professionals and emergency responders as instructors

Training will take 9 weeks to accomplish, being held on weekday evenings beginning at 6:00 pm and lasting a couple hours each night. The last class will be a course summary with a capstone exercise. This will last all day and be held on a Saturday. Anyone is encouraged to take the CERT Basic Training, and every reasonable accommodation will be made to ensure community members learn these potentially lifesaving skills.

Level I

This level is for individuals who attend CERT Basic Training and do not seek credentialing.

Level II - Credentialed CERT

This level is for individuals who attend a CERT Basic Training, submit an Credentialed CERT Application, and are selected to join the Natrona County CERT Team and be called upon as needed by Natrona County Emergency Management.