CERT: Community Emergency Response Team

The CERT Program consists of a group of volunteers who have been trained to assist with basic disaster response such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations.

What Does CERT Do?

CERT participants assist family members and others in their neighborhood or workplace following an incident when professional responders are not immediately available to help. Members also assist with community events such as the Raspberry Festival and National Night Out. CERT members are involved in disaster drills to maintain their skills.

CERT Logo

How Do I Qualify?

You must live in Hopkins, be at least 18 years of age, submit to a background investigation and successfully complete the 24-hour training course.

Is There Training?

Yes, training requires 24 hours of instruction. The CERT course is taught in the community by a team of First Responders who have completed a CERT Train-the-Trainer course. CERT training includes disaster preparedness, disaster fire suppression, basic disaster medical operations, and light search and rescue operations. Classes are one night per week for six weeks with a final simulation drill on a subsequent Saturday.

I’m Interested - Now What?

Submit your name, address, phone numbers, and email address by emailing CERT. You can also contact Dale Specken at the Hopkins Fire Department at 952-548-6451.