About the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
What is CERT?
Baltimore City CERT is a training program educates volunteers on how to prepare for hazards and cope with emergencies. Baltimore City CERT courses and drills cover basic disaster prevention, preparation, and response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, communications, and emergency medical procedures.
Baltimore City CERT members have the opportunity to volunteer with the Baltimore City Office of Emergency Management to support outreach, emergency response, and recovery operations.
Why Join CERT
It's free!
OEM CERT Members learn how to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe before, during, and after a disaster. You will become a trusted and trained team member.
Using this training, CERT-trained individuals can assist others in their family, their neighborhood, and their community until first responders arrive.
OEM CERT members build strong community relationships, assist and volunteer during large local events, and gain experience helping those in need during emergencies.
OEM CERT members meet quarterly throughout the year for trainings and informational sessions – in-person and hybrid meeting options exist.
Who is Eligible to Join CERT?
You are eligible to become a Baltimore City CERT Member if you live or work in Baltimore City and are at least 18 years of age.
Training Requirements for Joining CERT
- Register for a FEMA SID here: Register for your FEMA SID (dhs.gov)
- Enroll in, and complete an IN-PERSON CERT Training Course.
- Support one OEM sponsored preparedness and outreach event per year.
Training Opportunities
| Month | Date | Time | Location | Registration |
| September 2025 | 8,9,15,16 | 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM | Stillmeadow Community Fellowship 5011 Arbutus Avenue Baltimore, MD 21215 | Private Class - Registration available through StillMeadow |
| October 2025 | 4 & 11 5 & 12 | 10 AM - 2 PM 3 PM - 7 PM | Langston Hughes Community, Business & Resource Center 5011 Arbutus Avenue, Baltimore MD 21215 | Langston Hughes CERT Registration |
| January 2026 | 29 & 30 | 9 AM - 4 PM | Baltimore Unity Hall 1505 Eutaw Place Baltimore, MD 21217 | Baltimore Unity Hall CERT Class |