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localgovsupport@dhs.in.govAbout the Citizen Corps Program and CERT
The Citizen Corps Program coordinates public education, training and volunteer opportunities to engage all citizens in making their families, homes and communities safer and better prepared to respond to threats of crime, terrorism and disasters of all kinds. FEMA works with federal, state and local governments across the country to develop Citizen Corps partnerships since its central mission is disaster mitigation, preparedness and response.
IDHS identified the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) portion of the Citizen Corps Program as a benefit to Indiana, its communities and the well-being of all Hoosiers. IDHS serves as the state's point of contact for CERT efforts because it is Indiana's central coordinating office for emergency management across the state.
The CERT program develops and trains teams in neighborhoods, workplaces and schools in basic disaster response skills, including fire suppression, medical operations and urban search and rescue. The program provides an opportunity for citizens to take an active role in local emergency preparedness.
Resources and Programs
Free FEMA CERT Materials
FEMA now has free CERT materials available in multiple languages. They can be downloaded online (under "Download the CERT Basic Training Materials") or ordered through FEMA's publications warehouse.
CERT Toolkit
This toolkit was designed by IDHS to assist county emergency management agencies in recruiting citizens and keeping trained CERT members active. It contains customizable public outreach materials such as posters, public service announcements and press releases.
Hoosiers can get involved in various Citizen Corps partner programs, including but not limited to CERT. Each volunteer program helps increase capacity for first responders. Currently, IDHS only administers the CERT program within the state.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program develops and trains teams in neighborhoods, workplaces and schools in basic disaster response skills, including fire suppression, medical operations and urban search and rescue. The program provides an opportunity for citizens to take an active role in local emergency preparedness. Find more information on the program nationwide at the FEMA website.
Fire Corps
The Fire Corps supports fire and rescue agencies (volunteer, career and combination) with volunteers who perform fire safety outreach, youth programs and administrative support. Fire Corps is administered by the National Volunteer Fire Council. Visit the Fire Corps website for more details.
Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) program helps with volunteers lending their expertise to medical and public health agencies during emergencies and throughout the year. Volunteers support existing local emergency response programs and public health initiatives, including outreach and prevention, immunizations and blood drives. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services administers the program nationally, and in Indiana it is run by the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH). Visit IDOH's Volunteering page for more information.
National Neighborhood Watch Program
Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the National Neighborhood Watch Program expanded beyond its traditional crime prevention role to help locals focus on disaster preparedness, emergency response and terrorism awareness. The program is part of the National Sheriff's Association. Visit the National Neighborhood Watch website for more information.
