The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is a nationally recognized initiative that trains everyday citizens to assist in emergency preparedness, disaster response, and community resilience. Developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, CERT equips volunteers with practical skills in fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, and team organization. The program is designed to bridge the gap between professional first responders and the immediate needs of a community during emergencies, especially in the critical minutes and hours before emergency services can fully respond.

CERT members are trained to assess hazards, provide basic first aid, support evacuations, and assist with communication and coordination efforts. Equally important, they are taught how to do so safely, protecting themselves and others while operating within an organized structure. The program emphasizes preparedness before disasters occur, response during incidents, and recovery efforts afterward, making it a comprehensive approach to community safety.

For the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama, implementing a CERT program will provide significant benefits across its churches, schools, and affiliated organizations. First, it will enhance emergency preparedness by ensuring that parish staff, volunteers, and members are trained to respond effectively to incidents such as severe weather, fires, medical emergencies, or security threats. Given the number of gatherings, events, and services held across the diocese, having trained CERT volunteers on-site will greatly improve the safety and confidence of parishioners.

Second, CERT will strengthen the Diocese’s ability to protect vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with special needs. Trained volunteers will be able to assist in evacuation planning, shelter-in-place procedures, and continuity of operations during emergencies. This aligns closely with the Church’s mission of care, stewardship, and service to others.

Additionally, a diocesan CERT program will foster stronger community engagement and collaboration. It provides an opportunity for parishioners to serve in a meaningful way while building relationships with local emergency management agencies, fire departments, and law enforcement. This partnership enhances coordination and ensures that the diocese is integrated into broader community emergency response efforts.

Finally, CERT supports long-term resilience. By promoting awareness, preparedness training, and organized response capabilities, the diocese will be able to reduce risk, minimize potential loss, and recover more quickly from disruptive events. Establishing a CERT program demonstrates proactive leadership, reinforces a culture of safety, and ensures that the diocese is well-positioned to protect its people and fulfill its mission, even in times of crisis.

Birmingham’s Catholic Social Services location at 92 Oxmoor Road will host CERT training, beginning Saturday, June 20, from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. Anyone 14 years of age or older are eligible to sign up for the classes. The six-week training, taught by professionals in English and Spanish, concludes Aug. 1, and upon completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate. The final exercise will take place Aug. 8 at 10 a.m. To sign up for the course, please visit https://rb.gy/xp1vvh. For more information, please e-mail jwatts@bhmdiocese.org.