Disasters effect everyone, big or small, and it takes a strong community to be able to overcome any disaster. Boone County Emergency Management Agency's Community Emergency Response Team (EMA CERT) is a group of volunteers who have chosen to take a comprehensive training course and be available to assist the police, fire, and county during times of need. Being prepared is the best way to help ensure that our community stays strong and is able to react, respond, and recover from any emergency disaster situation. Team members have a wide range of skills and talents that they provide that allows us to be a strong presence in our community when situations arise. Active team members volunteer a minimum of 20 hours per year and have the opportunity to assist in many ways. There are multiple smaller teams that provide additional training and response levels. Team skills range from EMT's, Nurses, Fire Fighters, and Police volunteers to Moms & Dads, Office Workers, Assembly Line Workers, and people who like the outdoors and they want to know what to do and how to keep themselves, their families, and their neighbors safe in a disaster. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a free program that educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. CERT training can help you, your family and neighbors prepare for emergencies and disasters that can affect us all. Boone County EMA hosts CERT Training 1 to 2 times a year. Watch our events page for more information. This page is dedicated to all of the volunteers and future volunteers who help to keep Boone County Illinois safe during a disaster and how you can become part of the EMA CERT Team.
