After a disaster people should be prepared to take care of their own needs for a period of time until help arrives. CERT teaches individuals how to prepare their homes and neighborhoods to respond to disasters. Topics covered include personal preparedness, first aid, fire suppression, search and rescue, and team organization. Instruction includes a combination of classroom and hands-on training. CERT graduates serve as their own “first responders” during the critical period after a disaster when existing resources are overwhelmed. Ages 18 and up.