The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is a national initiative designed to train and empower individuals to assist their communities during disasters when professional responders may be delayed. CERT members learn critical skills like fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations, enabling them to play a vital role in disaster response and recovery efforts.
At the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe, the CERT program has been adapted to fit the unique needs and resources of the community. Rather than relying solely on external volunteers, the Tribe has reimagined CERT by leveraging the expertise and life experiences of its own departments.
This tailored approach ensures a well-coordinated and skilled response team, deeply rooted in the Tribe’s values and community dynamics. By integrating CERT into the Tribe’s existing structure, the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe has created a fiscally responsible and operationally effective system that enhances preparedness and resilience across the organization.
Through regular training, community engagement, and events like the Yellow Brick Road Safety Fair and participation in the Great ShakeOut, the Tribe continues to raise awareness and strengthen its capacity to respond to emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of its members.