Starting a CERT Program
Step 5: Tailoring Training
Updating CERT Materials
The CERT classroom materials were last updated by FEMA during the fall of 2002. The materials are intended to provide the basic content for CERT programs nationwide.
Because of the range of hazards and vulnerabilities across the United States–and because communities have developed their own protocols and procedures–you may need to revise the national materials so that they align more closely to your program. Update CERT materials to:
- Add hazards that are not included in the national materials, provide supplemental information about hazards that are included, or to delete hazards for which your community is not at risk.
- Add local case studies and success stories.
- Add photographs that are meaningful to your audience.
- Change activities to tailor them to your community.
- Reflect local protocols, procedures, and terminology (e.g., triage terminology) to align them with what local responders follow or use.
- Provide handouts with additional information that is specific to the community.
Text documents for CERT have been developed using Word 2000® and are available on the CERT website in both Word and .pdf formats. If you need to update the materials, be sure to download the Word version. Visuals have been developed using PowerPoint 2000®.