Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)

CERT is a training program that allows civilians and government employees to take the necessary steps in an emergency to save lives. During emergencies citizens can manage utilities and put out small fires; treat the medical emergencies by opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock; provide basic medical aid; search for and rescue victims safely; and organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers to be effective. CERTs are not intended to replace a community's response capability, but rather, to serve as an important supplement to it during emergencies when government response capabilities are spread thin.

CERT Brochure(PDF, 770KB)

CERT Training Program

The City of Pittsburgh Office of Emergency Management is seeking motivated individuals to join the Fall 2026 Cohort of our Community Emergency Response Team Training Program. The program consists of 24 hours of instruction in basic response skills important to know to help yourself and your community in the event of a disaster, and ends with an exercise to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during training.

Must be 18 years of age or older and must be a City of Pittsburgh resident.

Date: Kick off date will be on September 9th, 2026
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: 2945 Railroad Street Pittsburgh, PA 15201

For more information or to register, send an email to emastaff@pittsburghpa.gov. When registering, please provide your contact information including your name, email, phone number, and address (to confirm City of Pittsburgh residency).

 

last updated: 07/10/2026