CERT BASIC Course
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program is a national FEMA program managed at the state level by North Carolina Emergency Management.
CERT educates individuals and volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may occur where they live. The program offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks.
CERT trains volunteers in basic disaster response skills, such as:
Fire safety
Light search and rescue
Team organization
Disaster medical operations
The CERT BASIC Course includes research-validated guidance for CERT programs to teach members what to do before, during and after the hazards their communities may face, and covers the foundational skills that are important to know in a disaster when emergency services are not available. With training and practice, and by working as a team, you will be able to protect yourself and maximize your capability to help the greatest number of people after a disaster.
Taking the CERT BASIC course is a great way to get an in-depth understanding of how CERT Teams serve their local communities. The BASIC course also empowers individuals and families to better prepare, respond, and recover from disasters -- when 911 might not show up for 3+ days. This course is a prerequisite for CERT ACTIVE and RESPONDER status. However, participants are NOT required to join or remain on a team. There are no commitments required after taking this course. Community members are welcome to take the FREE course for their own education, awareness, and emergency preparation.
When Is The Next Scheduled CERT BASIC Course?
18-20 JUL. 2025 | Fuquay-Varina, NC
FV-CERT BASIC Course Schedule*:
Fri. July 18, 2025 1800-2100
Sat. July 19, 2025 0900-1700
Sun. July 20, 2025 0900-1700
Course Details:
Course NC-317 (TERMS)
Course Hours: 21
CEUs: 2.1
Primary Instructors:
James Wong
Kimberly Austin
Additional Instructors:
Fuquay-Varina Fire Department
Fuquay-Varina Police Department
FV-CERT Team
Central NC Search & Rescue (CNCSAR)
What Will I Learn?
Disaster Preparation
CERT Organization
Disaster Medical Operations
Disaster Psychology
Fire Safety & Utility Controls
Light Search & Rescue
Terrorism & CERT Training
Traffic Control During Events
Disaster Simulation Exercise
Training Venue:
Bob Barker Company
7925 Purfoy Road
Fuquay-Varina NC 27526
Cost/Fees:
None
Class Registration in TERMS is Required:
https://terms.ncem.gov/TRS/courseDesc.do?sourcePage=courseSearch&cofId=170088
*Students must attend all training sessions to receive credit for this course (NC-317).
Excited and Can't Wait to Get Involved with CERT?
An OPTIONAL pre-requisite for CERT BASIC classroom training is available in the FEMA/EMI Independent Study (IS) system — IS-317A: Introduction to the Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs). This online course is great for those interested in learning about the CERT program for their own knowledge, or as a pre-requisite for completing the CERT BASIC classroom training that may be available in your community at a later date.
https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-317.a&lang=en