Hamilton County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

Buddty Team Putting Out a Fire

What is CERT?

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is an all-volunteer group that trains to be the Help Until Help Arrives in their area. They train in disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and learn basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.


Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community. 

Hamilton County CERT

  • CERT Teams have been in Hamilton County since the early 2000s, primarily based in municipalities, and sponsored by Fire Departments.  The present Program was started in November 2010
  • There are over 120 active CERT volunteers in the county
  • Interest groups: Damage Assessment, Amateur (ham) radio, Medical Unit, Command/General Staff positions and support
  • Local teams: Britton Falls (Fishers), Carmel, Noblesville, Osborne Trails (Westfield) Sheridan, Viper (Fishers), and Westfield

Hamilton County CERT is proud to offer three Basic Courses in 2024!

We strive to offer a variety of dates and times to fit your schedule. 
  1. Spring Class - January 22, 2024, to March 11, 2024, Monday evenings 7:00p-9:30p
  2. Weekend Class - April 26-29, 2024, Friday 6:30-9:30p, Saturday 8a-4p, Sunday 8a-4p, Monday 6:30-9:30p
  3. Fall Class - October 3 to November 21, 2024, Thursday evenings 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

You can see the course schedule here.

CERT Basic Courses are:

CERT Program Requirements:

CERT members are a critical component of their community and the county’s emergency management program. Dedicated volunteers play a key role during emergencies and disasters during the initial response, ongoing response, and recovery.

To ensure an effective program, new potential CERT members must agree to be a committed volunteer before completing the twenty-hour basic course and remain active by: 

  1. Attending monthly team meetings
  2. Attending intermediate and advanced training courses
  3. Actively participate in response operations and special event support
  4. Maintain county-issued equipment to ensure readiness to respond during an emergency or disaster

Individuals wanting to take part in an HCEM Volunteer program must:

  1. Be 18 years of age or older
  2. Have a PSID and a FEMA SID #
  3. Submit your online application. 
  4. We will contact you to schedule an interview. During the interview, you will complete forms for a background check.
  5. Complete fingerprinting at the Hamilton County Sherriff's office.  You will receive an email with directions after your fingerprints have been submitted.
  6. Complete program training requirements and submit proof of completion (see CERT Training section).
  7. Submit certificates of completion of FEMA Independent Study (IS) Courses: IS-100 and IS-700.

Have you already completed CERT training and would like to join us?

Fill out the online application and let us know that you've completed the training. We will schedule a time to meet with you and help you get started.
HCEM Background Check Policy:
All volunteers shall undergo a background check upon initial application and every two years after the volunteer’s start date. The purpose of the background check is to provide the citizens of Hamilton County with well-qualified volunteers who can serve in a public safety capacity as an “Emergency Management Worker” under Indiana Code 10-14-3-3. Individuals with a negative record may not be considered for volunteer positions.  

For more information about CERT email CERT@hamiltoncounty.in.gov