Cy-Fair CERT Launches Spring Edition of Free Emergency Preparedness Training for Adults
When emergencies strike, it’s often a neighbor who arrives first, especially when professional first responders are overwhelmed in the midst of a large-scale disaster. Whether it's helping someone injured during a storm or knowing how to stay calm when the power goes out, ordinary citizens can make an extraordinary difference. In communities across Cy-Fair, volunteers have stepped up to fill that critical gap—residents trained through the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. This spring, a new class of local adults will have the chance to join their ranks, as Cy-Fair CERT opens enrollment for its next round of free emergency preparedness training.
Cy-Fair residents have an opportunity this spring to gain hands-on training in disaster response and emergency preparedness—at no cost. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Class 43, hosted by Cy-Fair CERT, begins Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Lone Star College–Cy-Fair’s Emergency Services Education Center. The program runs for nine Tuesday evenings from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM, with sign-in starting at 6:15 PM.
Offered free of charge and open to all adults 18 and older, the training includes instruction in disaster response, emergency medical care, fire safety and suppression, search and rescue, and terrorism awareness. Taught by professional first responders (including Cy-Fair Fire Department personnel), EMS, HAM radio experts, and trained CERT members, this FEMA-certified program requires no prior experience or special physical skills—just a commitment to participate and a focus on team safety.
Participants receive a manual, personal protective equipment (PPE), a CERT ID badge, and a backpack stocked with starter emergency supplies. The final session includes a full-scale certification drill, allowing trainees to apply their newly acquired skills in a realistic scenario.
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“Everyday people can—and should—be prepared to act when seconds count,” said Trey Cox, Cy-Fair CERT Trainer and Facilitator. “We’re empowering neighbors to help each other and themselves in those critical moments before professional help arrives.”
The curriculum is designed to turn ordinary citizens into capable responders during the initial aftermath of disasters. Participants learn triage and wound care, extinguish small fires, perform light search and rescue, and manage disaster-related stress and trauma.
While the Cy-Fair CERT program has operated since 2007, large-scale disasters like Hurricane Harvey serve as powerful reminders of why programs like CERT matter. The 2017 storm inundated Houston, straining emergency services and leaving many residents isolated for hours—or even days—before help could reach them. In such widespread crises, it's often trained community members who become the first line of support. CERT equips everyday people with the tools and confidence to act when official resources are overwhelmed, bridging a critical gap between incident and response.
“When a large-scale disaster hits, 9-1-1 may not be able to reach everyone right away,” said Cox. “That’s where trained community members make all the difference. CERT-trained citizens can step up, stabilize a situation, and save lives until help arrives.”
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In past years, Cy-Fair CERT graduates have been instrumental in neighborhood-level disaster response efforts across communities like Bear Creek, Bridgeland, Fairfield, Coles Crossing, Towne Lake, and Copperfield. Many have also gone on to volunteer with organizations such as the American Red Cross, Texas EquuSearch, and the Medical Reserve Corps.
The organization, which is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, also maintains a network of Neighborhood S.A.F.E. (Supplies Available for Emergencies) storage units stocked with tools, medical gear, and cleanup supplies. It also operates a Mobile Emergency Response Trailer and partners with community events like the Harris County CERT Rodeo and Cy-Fair FireFest to promote ongoing safety awareness.
According to Cox, the strength of CERT lies not only in the training, but in building lasting community resilience.
“We don’t just teach disaster skills—we build a culture of readiness,” he said. “And that starts with individuals who care enough to take that first step.”
Class size is limited, and advance registration is required. Those interested can register now on Eventbrite here.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
