Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training
Train community volunteers in disaster response through CERT programs
Overview
CERT trainers charge $5,000-$20,000 per community program.
Training 10-30 communities annually generates $80,000-$400,000 with 70-85% margins.
In 2025, communities build volunteer disaster response capacity.
Services include CERT basic training (20 hours over 6-8 weeks), fire suppression and safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, team organization and communication, and ongoing exercises and drills.
Successful CERT trainers partner with FEMA and local emergency management, recruit and train community volunteers, build local preparedness capacity, coordinate with first responders, and strengthen community resilience.
Government and grants often fund programs.
Marketing through cities, counties, emergency management, community organizations, and FEMA.
Required Skills
- Emergency Management
- CERT Training Certification
- Volunteer Management
- Disaster Response
- Teaching and Training
- Community Organizing
Pros and Cons
Pros
- FEMA-supported national program
- Government and grant funding available
- Strengthens community resilience
- Growing community preparedness
- Meaningful community service
Cons
- Need CERT trainer certification
- Working with volunteers challenges
- Dependent on government funding
- Long training program commitment
- Building programs takes time
How to Get Started
- Get CERT trainer certification from FEMA
- Partner with local emergency management
- Market to cities and communities
- Recruit community volunteers
- Deliver comprehensive CERT training
- Conduct ongoing exercises and drills
- Build community preparedness capacity
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