COLUMBIA, Mo. — To be better prepared for emergencies on campus and in the community, the University of Missouri is increasing emergency preparedness efforts by offering free training programs to students, faculty, staff, and community members. One program, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, works to engage community members so they have a better idea of how to assist in an emergency.
CERT became a national program in 1992, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The program is implemented on a local level because all emergencies start and end locally.
“The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training is an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to be better prepared for hazards that our campus faces,” said Dale Chambers, deputy director of System Emergency Management. “During an emergency or disaster on-campus, students, faculty, and staff are all the true first responders. By getting trained in basic disaster response skills, they will be empowered to respond, help themselves, and assist others.”
The campus’ CERT training begins Feb 13.
It runs over the course of six weeks and will be held each Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Legends Room at MizzouRec until Mar 19. Registration is required by Feb 12 as space is limited. Parking and directions are provided after registration. Participation in all sessions is required to complete the training and receive certification. This training is open to the public and there is no cost to participate.
Register for the upcoming CERT training.
Learn more about the national CERT program on the FEMA website.
CERT training is no longer offered at the Ste. Genevieve County Health Department for several years, but a former CERT instructor said it was discontinued in 2020 possibly due to COVID-19, but was not reinstated after the pandemic.
CERT training is also not available at the Perry County Health Department in Perryville.