Westmoreland County, Virginia
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
A citizen volunteer program supporting preparedness, response, and recovery.
Neighbors helping neighbors—organized, trained, and mission-ready.
Westmoreland County CERT trains residents to safely assist their community during emergencies and disasters. CERT members support Emergency Management with structured tasks like damage assessments, supply distribution (including water), welfare checks, shelter support, and documentation.
CERT does not replace professional responders. It expands community capacity when response resources are limited, delayed, or focused on life-threatening calls.
How Citizens Can Get Involved
CERT is designed for people who want a meaningful way to serve—without needing to be a firefighter or EMT. Training is practical and focused on safe, realistic tasks that help the community.
- Submit an interest request (online form or email). You will be contacted with the next orientation date.
- Attend orientation and complete CERT training. You will learn how CERT operates, safety expectations, and how tasks are assigned.
- Choose your preferred role areas (field support, logistics, shelter support, documentation, etc.).
- Participate in exercises and community events. When incidents occur, trained members may be activated based on needs and availability.
What CERT Members Do
CERT is built around the idea that many essential emergency tasks can be done safely by trained citizens. Members are assigned based on conditions, mission needs, and their comfort level.
Field Support and Assessments
- Damage assessments after storms (photos, notes, locations, hazards)
- Neighborhood welfare checks
- Situational reporting to Emergency Management
- Traffic/pedestrian assistance at community support sites (as assigned)
- Basic first aid support within CERT training scope
Logistics, Shelters, and Distribution
- Distributing water, food, and supplies
- Setting up and staffing distribution points
- Shelter support: registration, supply management, family assistance
- Resource coordination and volunteer coordination
- Documentation, check-in/out, and accountability tracking
Different Ways to Serve
CERT includes multiple role areas so volunteers can contribute in ways that match their skills and availability. Many roles are low physical demand and focus on organization, communication, and support.
Operational Tracks
- Damage Assessment Team — surveys and reporting
- Logistics Team — supplies, staging, distribution
- Shelter Support Team — check-in, support functions
- Community Support Team — outreach and welfare checks
Communications and Technical Support
- Documentation Team — incident notes, forms, tracking
- Communications Support — message relay and coordination
- UAS/Drone Support — for trained and approved members
- Data Support — mapping, lists, and field reports
Training and Safety
CERT training emphasizes safety, accountability, and working within a defined scope. Volunteers operate under Emergency Management supervision with clear tasking and check-in/out procedures.
What You Learn
- Preparedness and incident organization
- Safety basics and hazard awareness
- Basic first aid concepts and survivor support
- Light search-and-rescue principles (as applicable)
- Documentation and accountability
What You Can Expect
- Clear roles and assignment expectations
- Exercises to stay ready
- Activation based on real needs and volunteer availability
- Work that directly supports citizens during incidents
- A safety-first approach—always
Contact and Next Steps
Ready to help your community? Submit an interest request and we will connect you to the next available orientation and training cycle.
Community • Preparedness • Service