Tomball CERT Program Offers Free Emergency Preparedness Training for Residents
Residents of Tomball have an opportunity to prepare for emergencies and disasters with the upcoming Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training. Hosted by Tomball Fire Rescue in collaboration with the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM), this free, hands-on program will equip participants with critical skills needed to respond effectively to natural disasters, severe weather, and emergency situations.
CERT Training Schedule and Location
The CERT training sessions will take place on Wednesdays from March 26 through May 14, running from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Tomball Fire Station 1, located at 1200 Rudel Road, Tomball, TX 77375.
What is CERT?
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program was first developed by the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1985 in response to the growing risk of disasters in the region. The 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquakehighlighted the urgent need for trained civilians who could assist in emergency response efforts. Recognizing the program's effectiveness, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) expanded CERT into a national program in 1993.
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Today, CERT operates in all 50 states, tribal nations, and U.S. territories, with over 3,200 local programs and more than 600,000 trained participants. Each CERT program is tailored to meet the specific needs of its community while contributing to a broader national effort to enhance emergency preparedness and resilience.
What Participants Will Learn
The CERT curriculum, designed by FEMA, offers practical skills and knowledge in various aspects of emergency response, including:
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Disaster Preparedness – Understanding risks and planning for different emergency scenarios.
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Fire Safety – Learning to identify hazards and safely extinguish small fires.
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Disaster Medical Operations – Administering basic first aid and triage in emergency situations.
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Light Search and Rescue – Conducting safe and effective search and rescue operations.
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CERT Organization & Disaster Psychology – Understanding team structure and the psychological impact of disasters.
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Terrorism Awareness – Recognizing and responding to potential threats.
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Disaster Simulation – Hands-on training exercises to apply learned skills.
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First Aid/CPR Training & Emergency Communications – Essential life-saving techniques and communication strategies.
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How to Register
This free program is open to all interested residents but requires registration to participate. To sign up, visit bit.ly/tfrcert or scan the QR code on the official event flyer. For additional questions, contact cert@tomballtx.gov.
Why CERT Training Matters
Preparing for disasters and emergencies is essential for every community member. By participating in CERT training, residents gain the confidence and skills to assist family members, neighbors, and first responders when disaster strikes. With severe weather and emergency situations becoming more frequent, proactive emergency preparedness can make a critical difference in ensuring community safety.
Don’t miss this opportunity to become a trained emergency responder and strengthen the resilience of Tomball’s community. Register today and take the first step in protecting yourself and those around you.
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.
