Arlington CERT

To every mom who teaches preparedness, models compassion, and supports our volunteers, we thank you for being a steady source of strength in our community.

Equip yourself with the essential skills to face any crisis head-on. Sign up for free Until Help Arrives training on April 28. https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Departments/PSCEM/Emergency-Preparedness/UHA

The Arlington County Board has officially declared April 2026 as Arlington Preparedness Month, and they specifically recognized CERT as a driving force behind a more resilient County.

That shout‑out matters — because preparedness really does start with each of us. Knowing your family’s needs, making a plan, checking in on neighbors… those small actions build a safer community.

The Board is encouraging everyone in Arlington to get informed and get prepared. And who better to spread that message than CERT volunteers?

Share those preparedness steps with someone this month. Start a conversation. Help keep Arlington strong. And thank you for everything you do.

After completing their final exercise on April 11, Class 80 has officially graduated from CERT Basic Training — and we are proud to welcome our newest members to the team.

Welcome, Class 80 — we’re glad you’re here. 💚

April is National Volunteer Month, and Arlington CERT is celebrating the incredible neighbors who step up to make our community stronger every day. It’s the perfect time to recognize the impact volunteers have across Arlington and encourage others to get involved.

At Arlington CERT, our volunteers play a vital role in building a more resilient Arlington through:

👩‍🏫Teaching lifesaving skills like Until Help Arrives
🗣️Supporting preparedness outreach at community events
🚒Assisting first responders during major incidents
🦺Participating in emergency drills and regional exercises
🎉 Helping at large events like the Marine Corps Marathon and July 4th celebrations ..

📢 Want to Get Involved?

If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, April is the perfect time to start! Visit https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Departments/PSCEM/Volunteer-with-Emergency-Management/CERT for upcoming CERT training opportunities and ways to serve your neighborhood.

Arlington Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) CERT is a neighborhood-based team that receives special training to help the County recognize, respond to, and recover from disasters and emergencies.

April is Arlington Preparedness Month — a chance for all of us to help our neighbors, coworkers, and friends take simple steps to be ready for the unexpected. And honestly, CERTs are one of the best people to help lead that effort.

Preparedness isn’t about expecting disaster. It’s about having a plan, a go‑bag you can quickly grab, and a way to reach the people you care about. That kind of readiness brings real peace of mind.

Next month, think about the people in your life who might not know where to start. Share a quick tip with a neighbor, mention something at work, or post a reminder online. It doesn’t have to be a big conversation — sometimes one small nudge is all someone needs.

One of the easiest first steps is signing up for Arlington Alert. It’s free, fast, and customizable. You choose what you want to hear about — severe weather, road closures, public safety updates — and how you want to receive it.

You already understand why preparedness matters. Let’s use April to spread that mindset across Arlington, one simple conversation at a time.

Thanks for everything you do to keep our community strong.

Don’t forget — Daylight Saving Time begins tomorrow at 2 AM! Set your clocks forward one hour before heading to bed tonight.

This is also a great moment to take a couple of quick safety steps:

🔋 Check and replace batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
📦 Review your emergency kit and update any expired items
📱 Confirm your emergency contacts and communication plan

A few minutes now can make a big difference when it counts. Stay safe and stay prepared.

Your voice shapes the future of Arlington CERT—check your inbox for the survey link in our latest newsletter.

We’re conducting a membership-wide survey to learn more about who you are, what keeps you engaged, and how we can make CERT even more rewarding.

Whether you’re highly active or haven’t participated in a while, your perspective is essential. Your feedback will help us strengthen training, improve communication, expand volunteer opportunities, and focus our efforts where they matter most.

The survey takes 10–12 minutes and is anonymous unless you choose to share your contact information. Please complete the survey by March 13.

Thank you for everything you contribute to our CERT community.