Eastern VA CERT

We are the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) — a group of trained local volunteers committed to protecting and supporting our neighborhoods in times of crisis. When disasters strike and professional responders are delayed or overwhelmed, we step in to bridge the gap.

Our team is trained in a range of essential emergency response skills, including basic first aid, disaster preparedness education, light search and rescue, and more. Over time, we’ve expanded our responsibilities to meet the unique needs of our community — taking on critical roles in human and pet sheltering, disaster assessment, and traffic control.

Through our efforts, we’ve helped decrease response gaps, strengthen community resilience, and ensure a safer, more prepared future for everyone we serve.

As members of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), we provide vital support before, during, and after emergencies. Our mission is to enhance community safety and resilience by stepping in when professional responders are unavailable or overwhelmed.

Our key activities include:

• Disaster Preparedness Education: Teaching individuals and families how to prepare for emergencies.
• Basic First Aid & Triage: Providing immediate care until professional medical help arrives.
• Light Search and Rescue: Assisting in locating and helping trapped or injured individuals.
• Disaster Assessment: Surveying damage to inform emergency services and guide recovery efforts.
• Traffic and Crowd Control: Supporting the safe movement of people and vehicles during emergencies and public events.
• Human and Pet Sheltering: Operating and supporting emergency shelters for displaced residents and their animals.
• Community Outreach: Building awareness and encouraging local readiness through events and workshops.

Whether it’s responding to natural disasters or helping with community events, we are dedicated to serving and protecting our neighbors when they need us most.