BUCKHANNON — The Upshur County Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, as it’s commonly known, is looking for volunteers to join its ranks and help build a more resilient community.

CERT is a national program implemented locally that trains volunteers to assist in emergencies when professional responders may not be immediately available. Locally, the Upshur County Community Emergency Response Team operates under the umbrella of the county Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

“CERT is based on the reality that ordinary citizens will often be the first responders in a disaster,” said Tammie Strong, CERT program coordinator. “Our volunteers are trained to handle small-scale emergencies, assist their neighbors and support professional responders with crucial tasks during disasters.”

Volunteers are trained in basic disaster response skills, including light search-and-rescue, fire safety, medical assistance, and traffic and crowd management.

“We’re not professionals, but we are trained to bridge the gap until first responders arrive,” Strong explained. “Our members can assess their neighborhood for damage, provide basic medical aid, and assist in minimizing property loss.”

How to Get Involved

The CERT program is open to anyone 18 years or older, with no prior experience required.

“We welcome volunteers of all skill levels, from retired firefighters to individuals who are simply eager to learn,” Strong said. “We even have administrative tasks for those who may not want to work in the field.”

Future plans include launching a Teen CERT for youth aged 13 to 17 and a Campus CERT for West Virginia Wesleyan College students.

For those interested in joining, the next Basic CERT Training will take place in April 2025.

The 24-hour course is divided into manageable sessions over several weeks to accommodate participants’ schedules. Additional training is available for volunteers who want to specialize in areas such as emergency communication, animal response or campus safety.

“Our members can choose roles based on their interests and our community’s needs,” Strong said. “The level of commitment varies, but regular training and drills are key to staying prepared.”

To learn more or sign up, visit the Upshur County CERT webpage, follow Upshur County CERT on Facebook or email cert@upshurcounty.org.

“CERT is about transitioning from individual preparedness to a community-wide focus,” Strong emphasized. “By joining, you’ll not only help your neighbors but also gain skills that can make a difference in any emergency.”