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Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in Massachusetts

Preparedness for the community, by the community.
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What is CERT?

In times of crisis, whether it's a natural disaster, a medical emergency, or a human-made catastrophe, having a trained team ready to respond can make all the difference. Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) are grassroots groups of volunteers who are trained to assist in emergency situations within their communities. Established under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the United States, CERT programs have proven to be invaluable assets in enhancing community resilience and reducing the burden on professional emergency responders.

Additional Resources

How To Get Involved

CERT membership is open to everyone, including those who are not emergency management professionals. If you are someone who is interested in supporting your community before, during, and after a disaster, join CERT! 

  • Contact your local Emergency Management Director
  • MEMA Local Coordinators per their designated counties (phone numbers can be found at the bottom of this page):
    • MEMA East
      • Counties: Essex, Middlesex, Suffolk, Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth
    • MEMA West
      • Counties: Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester

CERT Funding

Always work with your local Emergency Management Director when applying for funding.

Determining the amount of funding required to start and maintain a CERT program can be determined by your CERT goals and will be based on factors, such as, but not limited to:

· The number of CERT members that you will train, initially, then on a continuing basis.

· The role that CERT members will play in your community.

· Equipment that you will supply to each team member.

· Costs for instructors, training facilities, and equipment.

· Costs for supplemental training, exercises, and team maintenance activities.

· The demographic makeup of the community (e.g., size, economic makeup, languages spoken, etc.).

Click here for funding opportunities and to discover your eligibility.

In addition, CERTs may go to www.grants.gov, which provides federal grant opportunities.

Contact

Phone

Lauren Mahoney Call MEMA East CERT Contact Information , Lauren Mahoney at 774-423-4276
Nathan Cochran Call MEMA East CERT Contact Information , Nathan Cochran at 774-388-7559

Phone

Kevin Filchak and Scott Flebotte Call MEMA West CERT Contact Information, Kevin Filchak and Scott Flebotte at 413-750-1400

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