Each year, many North Carolina communities are rocked by severe weather such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods or flash floods, winter storms or "man-made" disasters.

The damage caused by such disasters effect everyone. Disasters:

• Can severely restrict and overwhelm emergency response resources, communications, transportation and utilities; and
• Can leave neighborhoods and individuals cut off from outside emergency support.

 

Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) are trained to take care of themselves and then help others in their communities for the first three days following a disaster. This is when debris-clogged or damaged roads, disrupted communications or a high volume of calls may prevent access by emergency response personnel.

The training covers basic 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 do the greatest good for the greatest number of people after a disaster, while protecting yourself from becoming a victim.

For more information, take a look at our Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) page, and if you register on this web site, you'll gain access to other information.