Hamilton County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

Buddty Team Putting Out a Fire

CERT Training - Basic Course starts on September 23, 2020.

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 a HCEM Volunteer program must;
1. Be 18 years of age or older
2. Have or obtain a Public Safety Identification # and a FEMA Student Identification # 
3. Successfully complete a background check within seven days of submitting the online application (find background check form and policy below)
4. Complete program training requirements and submit proof completed (see training requirement section)
5. Submit the online volunteer application

HCEM BACKGROUND CHECK FORM - Background checks can be processed for free at the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. Located at 18100 Cumberland Road in Noblesville, Indiana. Hours for a background check to be processed are 8:30 am - 4:00 pm., Monday through Friday. Applicants must bring the following with them; a completed HCEM Background Check form, and a valid driver’s license. 

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. Volunteers who do not have a record with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department or other law enforcement agencies may be accepted into the program. Individuals with a negative record may not be considered for volunteer positions.  

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

What is CERT?

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is an all-volunteer community group who teaches the community about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in 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 250 trained CERT volunteers believed to reside in the County
  • Interest groups: Damage Assessment, Amateur (ham) radio, Medical Unit, Command/General Staff positions and support
  • Local teams: Carmel, Cicero, Fishers, Britton Falls (Fishers), Noblesville and Westfield