Application deadline Aug. 31; Classes start Sept. 11
Become a part of the Newport News Community Emergency Response Team and learn how to help your community in times of disaster. As a CERT member you will receive important training that will allow you to help yourselves, your family, neighbors, and colleagues during emergencies. CERTs are not intended to replace professional first responders who have years of training and experience; however, when seconds and minutes count, the informed decisions and skilled actions taken by everyday citizens can reduce suffering and save lives. The deadline to enroll is August 31 , and 25 spots available on a first come, first served basis. CERT training, detailed below, begins next month.
- Orientation is on September 11, at 6 p.m. at South Morrison Family Education Center, 746 Adams Drive.
- Online Prerequisite Training begins upon the receipt of an application and must be completed no later than September 11.
- Field training drills begin on September 13, and are held each Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. September 13, thru October 18. 100% attendance is required.
- Upon completion, applicants will participate in a full scale exercise on Saturday, October 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. where the class is challenged to respond as a team to a mass casualty incident in a simulated post-disaster environment.
While the training is free to citizens, there is a cost to the city for the online learning management system for each enrolled participant. This is paid with grant funding awarded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Please ensure you carefully evaluate your schedule and interest and do not enroll in this training unless you are committed to complete all online and all field-based training.
Applications are available from the Division of Emergency Management's website, and must be fill out electronically and emailed to dperry@nnva.gov. For more information contact Dana Perry, Emergency Operations Coordinator, at 509-1125 or 369-6825 .