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Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) 

Learn to better prepare for hazards and protect yourself, loved ones, neighbors, and community by joining a local community emergency response team (CERT) program. CERT personnel receive free training and develop skills to assist before, during, and after a disaster occurs.  

CERT personnel can “bridge the gap” until professional responders are able to arrive on the scene of an emergency. CERT personnel may help with disaster preparedness, disaster recovery, special events, and many other activities.  

Join an existing CERT program in Minnesota 

To locate a program:  

  • Check your local city, county, or tribal nation’s website  
  • Email HSEM for extra help 

Start a CERT program 

The first step is to determine a host for the program:  

  • Campus CERT: post-secondary schools 2-year, 4-year, tribal college, or accredited institution (such as cosmetology certification) 
  • Community CERT: civic service club, social group, faith-based, neighborhood block club, veteran group, housing association, etc.  
  • Teen CERT: hosted by a public, private, public charter, or tribal school. Youth groups - boys & girls club, scout, 4-H, FFA, homeschool club, etc.  
  • Workplace CERT: hosted by a workplace (for-profit, non-profit, government, etc.)  
  • Fire, police, public health, sheriff, emergency management, or another department within the local, city, or tribal nation can host or sponsor a program 

Potential host/sponsor please email HSEM for more details. 

Minnesota Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (MNVOAD)  

Become a disaster volunteer with one of the many nonprofit organizations which provide assistance before, during, and after emergencies. Visit the MNVOAD website for a list of organizations and explore the variety of options on each of their websites. Please note that MNVOAD is a nonprofit and may seek volunteers to help with their organization, too. 

Whole community preparedness coalition 

Whole community preparedness coalition (WCPC), also known as a local VOAD or COAD, is a community-based coalition focused on disaster preparedness and recovery.  

  • Community or service organizations can join 
  • Community clubs or social groups such as eagles, elk, lions, rotary, etc. 
  • For-profit businesses, nonprofits, and employee resource groups (ERG), etc. 
  • Local faith-based groups 
  • Neighborhood organizations, block clubs, tenant, and homeowner associations, etc.  
  • School and college campus representatives, alumni groups, etc.  
  • Veterans clubs include American Legion, VFW, etc. 

Check with the local community (city, county, tribal nation) to learn if a local WCPC group already exists. MNVOAD can provide guidance for starting or revitalizing a local whole community preparedness coalition - local VOAD/COAD group.  

Long-term recovery group (LTRG)  

Long-term recovery group (LTRG) focuses on filling the gap for people without adequate insurance. Creating this group prior to a disaster has proven to be a best practice but it can be set up following the disaster. This document details the process of creating and maintaining a long-term recovery group. 

Medical reserve corps (MRC) 

Minnesota responds medical reserve corps (MN responds MRC) helps communities respond to all types of disasters. The Minnesota Department of Health is looking for people willing to volunteer their skills in the event of a health emergency.  

Start the process by registering with the MRC program. Program administrators will contact you about their expectations for participation. Volunteers only assist when they are available and comfortable about responding. Several volunteer positions do not require medical skills. 

Fire corps 

Fire corps volunteers assist their local fire department in a non-emergency role. The activities provide critical support to the department and enable emergency responders to focus on operational duties and training. 

To find a volunteer opportunity check with the local fire department. Another resource is National Volunteer Fire Council, click the enter tab as a volunteer and search opportunities near a zip code. 

Volunteers in police service (VIPS) 

Police and sheriff departments may have volunteer opportunities available. Contact the local police or sheriff department to learn if there are volunteer positions.  

Preparedness community 

The national preparedness community is designed to connect you with preparedness content and programming. Explore new ways to get involved by browsing the preparedness neighborhoods or other additional resources. 

  • Individual & families neighborhood 
  • Organizations neighborhood 
  • Youth neighborhood 
  • Featured programs and content provide information and training 

More information is located at: