What is the Citizen Corps?

• A component of the USA Freedom Corps
• Creates opportunities for individuals to volunteer to help their communities prepare for and respond to emergencies
• Brings together local leaders, citizen volunteers, and first responders
• Offers programs such as:
  • Neighborhood Watch Programs
  • Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS)
  • Medical Reserve Corps
  • Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)

What is the C.E.R.T. Program?

• Helps train people to be better prepared to respond to emergencies in their community during times of disaster
• Participants receive training in:
  • Disaster preparedness
  • Basic emergency medical care
  • Fire suppression
  • Light search and rescue techniques
  • And other topics, taught by professional first responders

C.E.R.T. - Trained graduates are:

• Able to help their community by:
  • giving critical support to first responders
  • provide immediate assistance to victims
  • organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site
• C.E.R.T. members can also help with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community

Our Vision:

• A C.E.R.T. team active in education and outreach in our community, providing support and assistance to our first responders

Our Need: Your Talents and Time!

• Computer/Web design skills
• Legal and Tax expertise
• Phone Calling
• Runners
• Communications/Education
• C.E.R.T. class recruits!!!

C.E.R.T. Classes:

• Classes are 8 weeks in length, meeting once a week
• Includes hands on participation and a staged disaster drill
• Continuing education classes will be held over additional topics after completion of the course
• An annual field day will be held as a refresher course
• Are open to citizens of Bedford, or employees of a Bedford business, who are at least 18 years of age

Upon Completion of Training, C.E.R.T. members may:

• Respond to an emergency situation, then provide assistance to professional emergency responders in a variety of ways:
  • Missing person searches
  • Coordinating volunteers and their efforts
  • Answering phones
  • and many other ways
• Provide volunteer support in non-emergency situations:
  • Assist in community education and outreach on emergency preparedness
  • Man first-aid stations at community events
  • And other opportunities that may arise

Click here for an application form

For additional Information, Contact