WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH CERT?
Sam Isenberger FEMA's Emergency Management Institute

As you know, CERT is one of the Citizen Corps programs designated to help fulfill the President’s call for community service.  Recently, Congress approved a supplemental appropriation to help promote the development and maintenance of CERT programs in the States and Territories.   Before the end of the year, local governments should have the opportunity to apply to the State for CERT grants to get a program started or bolster an existing program.  

In addition, FEMA is working on other projects in support of CERT and community preparedness.  

1.  “Starting and Maintaining a CERT Program” - By the end of December 2002, there will be a web-based document to help program coordinators start a CERT program in their community.  It includes information and suggestions from experienced people who have successful CERT programs. 
   
   

2.  CERT Independent Study  - Around April 2003, a CERT Independent Study course will be on our website at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/ishome.htm. This web-based course will cover the knowledge-based information in the CERT training.  The goal is for the participant to use the Independent Study as a way to prepare for the classroom training or as a refresher when one has completed the training.
   
   

3. “Are You Ready” – A revised edition of “Are You Ready” is available over the web at http://www.fema.gov/areyouready.  It brings together facts on disaster survival techniques, disaster-specific information, and how to prepare for and respond to both natural and man-made disasters.

I hope these and other project will help you and others prepare for the hazards that you face.  I look forward to sharing other projects with you in the next addition of the Connection.

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