The Dorchester County Department of Emergency Management is hosting Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training classes for spring 2026. CERT is a nationally recognized training that prepares residents to assist themselves, their families, and their neighbors during emergencies and disasters. The course provides hands-on instruction in disaster preparedness, fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, and team organization.
CERT training empowers participants to safely take action when professional responders are delayed, strengthens community resilience, and supports local emergency services by developing informed, capable volunteers who can help their communities recover more quickly after an incident.
The Spring 2026 CERT Schedule is as follows:
- Tuesday, April 7, 6 p.m.- 9 p.m.: Disaster Preparedness
- Thursday, April 9, 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.: CERT Organization
- Tuesday, April 14, 6 p.m.- 9 p.m.: Disaster Medical Part 1
- Thursday, April 16, 6 p.m.- 9 p.m.: Disaster Medical Part 2
- Tuesday, April 21, 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.: Fire Safety
- Thursday, April 23, 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.: Disaster Psychology / Terrorism
- Tuesday, April 28, 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.: Light Search & Rescue
- Saturday, May 9, 9 a.m.- noon: Exercise Day
All classes are scheduled at the Dorchester County Emergency Operations Center (212 Deming Way, Building 1, Summerville).
Participants must attend all classes and the final exercise day. Exceptions can be made, but must be approved by Emergency Management. Participants must be at least 18 years old. Exceptions can be made for ages 14- to 17-year-olds if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Additional registration/documentation will be filled out on the first night of class.
To register, visit the online registration form on the Dorchester County Emergency Management website.