Howard County C.E.R.T Class Schedule - Session 1: Personal Preparedness  

In this 3 hour session, students will learn the history of large scale disasters that have affected Howard County, as well as steps that Howard County has taken to minimize the impact of future large scale disasters. Included in this session you will review individual supplies, training and the psychology needed during the time of an disaster. A certificate of completion will be issued following the successful completion of this session.

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C.E.R.T is a program is designed educate local residents about disaster preparedness for hazards and emergencies – both natural and man-made that may strike their local area.

The goal of C.E.R.T in Howard County is to train residents in basic disaster response skills such as light fire suppression, team organization, disaster medical operations and household utility control.

For more information contact Rich Philps at rphilps@howardcountymd.gov

For registration go to: http://www.howardcountymd.gov/FAR/far_cert.htm

How does C.E.R.T benefit you and your community?

During or after a disaster, regular emergency services personnel may not be able to help everyone immediately. Roads may be impassable and communications lost. Injuries may occur simultaneously in many areas. That’s where C.E.R.T can make a difference.

If a disaster overwhelms local Howard County emergency response capabilities, you can give critical support to family, friends and coworkers until professional help arrives by applying the training learned in the classroom and during exercises.  You’ll have a better understanding of the potential threats to your home, your workspace and you community during a disaster. And you’ll be able to take the right steps at the right time to lessen the effects of these hazards.

Who sponsor’s C.E.R.T?

Local Citizens Emergency Readiness Training is sponsored by Howard County's Community Emergency Response Network (CERN) and is delivered through the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services. CERN is designated by the federal government as part of National Citizens Corps, which creates opportunities for volunteers to help their communities prepare for and respond to emergencies.

CERN membership includes representatives from the Horizon Foundation and the Howard County Departments of Fire and Rescue Services, Police, and Health, the Howard County Public School System, Howard Community College, Howard County General Hospital: a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine, American Red Cross, the Columbia Association, Howard County Mental Health Authority, Faith in Action, Parish Nursing Program, HUMANIM, Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, Volunteer Center Serving Howard County, Association of Community Services, Howard County Chamber of Commerce, Howard County Child Care Resource Center, Howard County Department of Citizen Services, Howard County Library, Howard County PTA Council, Sttar Center, and Domestic Violence Center of Howard County