GEORGETOWN, Del. — Sussex County Emergency Management is highlighting its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program through a recent social media post, encouraging residents to build emergency skills ahead of the next in-person training session.
The post introduces CERT as a volunteer initiative designed to empower ordinary community members with practical knowledge for handling crises, from natural disasters to other hazards. Training focuses on self-protection, aiding neighbors, and bolstering local resilience when official responders are occupied. Key topics in the 24-hour curriculum include disaster preparedness, CERT structure and operations, basic medical response in emergencies, psychological aspects of disasters, fire safety and utility management, light search and rescue, and awareness of terrorism threats. According to their post, the upcoming in-person basic training is slated for April 24–26, 2026. Open to adults 18 and older who live or work in Sussex County, the program requires no prior qualifications and is provided at no charge.
Sussex County has offered CERT classes multiple times annually since adopting the program, which aligns with a statewide relaunch by the Delaware Emergency Management Agency earlier this year. For details or to express interest, contact sussexcountyde.cert@gmail.com or visit www.preparede.org.
The department invites residents to share the information to expand participation and enhance countywide preparedness.
Photo: Sussex County Emergency Management Facebook Page