Frequently-asked-questions about the Doylestown Borough CERT:

Why should I join the Doylestown Borough CERT?

  • Disasters can overwhelm emergency resources. CERT volunteers help bridge the gap by making their households, neighborhoods, and communities more resilient. By joining CERT, you gain valuable skills while becoming part of a network of neighbors committed to helping one another before, during, and after emergencies.

Do I need prior emergency services experience?

  • No. CERT members are trained to provide limited assistance and support. They do not replace firefighters, police officers, or EMS personnel and are not expected to perform dangerous or highly specialized tasks.
  • CERT training is designed for people with all levels of experience. No medical, fire, or public safety background is required. In fact, people from a variety of backgrounds with different skill sets and experiences are very important for an effective CERT team.

What kind of training is involved?

  • CERT members will receive training in topics such as:
    • Incident command system basics
    • Team organization
    • Emergency communications
    • Disaster preparedness
    • Disaster response skills including fire safety, basic disaster medical operations, and search and rescue techniques
  • Training is both online with several virtual courses and in-person training sessions to be completed.
  • Ongoing training opportunities, exercises, and specialized courses will be offered to help members maintain and expand their skills.

What time commitment is required?

  • Completion of basic online and in-person training is required and generally takes around 15 hours over several weeks. Participation in other CERT activities for public service, team-building activities and drills to maintain proficiency are also required, although not all team activities need to be attended depending on your schedule and other commitments.
  • CERT members decide when they are available to respond to emergencies or disasters. Participation is voluntary, and personal and family safety always comes first.

What kinds of emergencies might CERT members assist with?

  • CERT members may be activated to assist with:
  • Community education and preparedness programs
  • Public events
  • Severe weather events
  • Flooding
  • Extended power outages
  • Community shelters
  • Distribution of emergency supplies
  • Damage assessment
  • Search efforts

Will I be sent into dangerous situations?

  • No. CERT training emphasizes that volunteer safety is the highest priority. CERT members are taught to assess risks and avoid situations that require professional responders.

How often are CERT members actually activated?

  • Major emergencies and disasters are infrequent. Most CERT activity involves preparedness education, training exercises, public events, and supporting community programs

How old do I have to be to join?

  • CERT members need to be 18 years of age or older, although junior team members are also welcome who are at least 16 years of age with parental consent. Retirees and seniors are also welcome to volunteer. Specific activities of each member will be tailored to their age, physical abilities, and the skills, experience, and preferences they bring to the team.

Do I need to live in the Borough to participate?

  • No. However, since travel during an emergency activation may be limited and time to response is important, non-Borough residents should live within 5 miles of the Borough to participate.

Can I volunteer if I still work?

  • Yes. Regular CERT activities are typically scheduled to accommodate a variety of schedules.

Do I need a background check?

  • Yes. Application and registration for the Doylestown Borough CERT team is handled through the State Emergency Registry of Volunteers in Pennsylvania (SERVPA), the State emergency volunteer program portal. Basic requirements are for a Pennsylvania criminal history record check and child abuse clearance which will be provided through the Borough.

Is there a cost to join?

  • There is no cost to join.

Are volunteers covered by insurance or liability protections?

  • Yes. CERT volunteers are covered for liability through the Doylestown Borough.

What equipment will I need?

  • Basic training materials will be provided, as will identification and safety equipment such as reflective vests, gloves, and helmets. Volunteers are generally encouraged to maintain personal emergency supplies at home.

Do CERT volunteers receive compensation?

  • No. CERT is a volunteer organization. Members donate their time and talents to help strengthen their community.