CERT Kits Protect Communities in Emergency Circumstances

CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Teams. Individuals serving on CERT teams are authorized to respond immediately in the case of a natural disaster or other community emergencies. Though they are not necessarily certified or trained firefighters or paramedics, they do have training in emergency response.

CERT kits are designed to assist those responders so that they have instant access to needed supplies. There are small kits that provide the basics and larger kits that contain everything a well-trained emergency respondent may need during a flood, hurricane, explosion, wild fire or many other emergency situations.

What Are the Basics?

The Basic CERT Kit provides the basic items for CERT professionals. This is also a good kit for families to keep in the home. A green CERT hard hat holds the basic supplies needed to respond to an emergency, including:

• Leather gloves
• Goggles
• Safety vest
• Dust mask
• Whistle
• Flashlight with batteries

CERT Kits that Have It All

For serious CERT professionals who want to ensure that they have more tools on hand when an emergency occurs, there are Intermediate and Advanced CERT kits. The Intermediate CERT Kit contains a more extensive collection of responder tools into a duffle bag, and the Deluxe and Ultra Deluxe CERT Kits offer even larger collections of tools packed into easy-to-carry backpacks.

For situations that require responders to stay mobile, the larger kits are more convenient. They are carried on the back, so responders can quickly move from one person or one disaster area to another without holding their kit.

Selecting a CERT Kit

While the Deluxe CERT Kit and Ultra Deluxe CERT Kit certainly offer the most protection for communities experiencing emergency situations, the Basic and Intermediate kits have their benefits as well. For instance, the Basic CERT kit is compact, so it fits easily into some storage areas that are too small for the larger kits.

Responders should think about where they will store their kit, what type of emergency is most likely to require the use of their kit, and whether they need to remain mobile while using their kit. These guidelines will help every responder select one or more kits that fit his or her needs in a variety of emergency circumstances.

Hurricane Season is Coming: How to Make Sure You're Prepared

If you’ve ever been through a hurricane, you know the panic that can set in when local media warns of an oncoming hurricane or tropical storm. Even if you have two or three days before the full storm is expected to hit, you never know when the rain will start falling and the wind will start blowing. Conditions can go from moderate to severe quickly, so never procrastinate when it comes to preparation. The first hurricane warning is your signal to take action.

If It Can Blow Away, Tie It Down

Hurricane preparation starts with covering your windows with plywood so that they are less prone to shatter. You should also pick up lawn furniture and other outdoor items that may blow away. Not only can you lose these items, but they can cause unnecessary damage to cars and homes.

Protect Basic Human Needs

You will need water and food to survive the aftermath of a hurricane. Fill your bathtubs and sinks with water and bottle as much water as possible. Stock up on bread and canned foods. Place coolers with ice in the kitchen so that you can limit opening the refrigerator and freezer. Keep emergency food products and emergency water stored in pouches or boxes on hand for emergencies. Emergency water has a 5-year shelf life. Freeze-dried emergency food can have up to a 25-year shelf life.

If you live in an area prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, invest in emergency survival kits which contain emergency food supplies. Look for kits in backpacks or other easy-to-carry containers. These kits will protect your basic survival needs if you have to leave your home.

Other Needs

Simple items like a few LED hurricane lanterns can make surviving a hurricane more comfortable and much safer. Blankets will ensure that everyone stays warm. Moreover, make sure everyone in your household has easy access to running shoes, coats and other things that they may need if you have to leave the home for rescue.

Take Advantage of Technology

If you have a smartphone, download the Red Cross app before the storm hits. This is something you may want to keep on your phone at all times because it can help rescue workers locate you if a natural disaster leaves you trapped, stranded or otherwise in jeopardy.

Other apps are available to show you how to perform various first aid tasks. This is especially important when your loved ones are injured and rescue workers cannot reach your home immediately.


While you’re preparing your mobile devices, downloading apps for local news stations may give you access to current news if you lose electricity. The Emergency All-Hazards Radio/Flashlight includes a cell phone charger so that you don't lose contact with those valuable apps due to a dead battery. Your cell phone gives you the best chance of calling for help or checking on your loved ones during and after the hurricane.