The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program is a program that was originally developed in Los Angeles as a means of preparing for the aftermath of earthquakes, and then was adopted and expanded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to include preparation for a variety of hazards.

The Trent Woods Community Emergency Response Team, (CERT), was formed in April of 2004. This program was started with a $22,059.00 grant from the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management. Etta Lucas, (Trent Woods CERT Director), working with Chief of Police Michael Register and Craven County Assistant Director of Emergency Services Tim Harvey were trained as CERT instructors and taught the first CERT training class in July of 2004. The first class had ten graduates. So far grant funds have paid for training classes and a response trailer equipped with disaster response equipment.

CERT members are trained to take care of themselves and then help others in their communities for the first three days following a disaster. This is when debris-clogged or damaged roads, disrupted communications or a high volume of calls may prevent access by emergency response personnel.

The 21-hour CERT training class covers basic skills that are important to know in a disaster when emergency services are not available. With training and practice and by working as a team CERT members are able to do the greatest good for the greatest number of people after a disaster, while protecting themselves from becoming victims.

This team also works on community projects such as Vial of Life and the Craven County Special Needs Registry.

If you are interested in becoming a member of this exciting program or would like more information you can email us at trentwoodscert@earthlink.net , contact Etta Lucas or Chief Michael Register at (252) 637-3030 or attend the monthly Trent Woods CERT meeting on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM in the Trent Woods Town Hall.