Author: Joint Information Center
Since the beginning of Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in North Carolina, 80 Community Emergency Response Team volunteers have logged more than 3,500 hours. That’s 3,500 hours of human interaction offering those impacted by the disaster empathy, a listening ear, a smiling face, a soothing voice and guidance. They are there for emergency response teams when they sign into the State Emergency Operations Center in the morning, helping at the front desk 12 hours a day. Citizens connect with CERT volunteers through the United Way NC 211 call-center, which provides health and human service information. Throughout Helene recovery, 211 was used as a resource for people in NC or outside the state to report missing people or request wellness checks for friends and family. For weeks, CERT volunteers managed highly sensitive and emotional phone calls.
The IRS tags the monetary rate of volunteer work at $33.80 per hour. To date, CERT volunteers assisting with Helene recovery have equated to over $120,000.
Dawn Truskowski has volunteered with recovery efforts since September 30, where she began with answering 211 calls and is now helping cover shifts at the front desk of the SEOC. “I just think everyone deserves a little bit of kindness. I want to give back and do my part.” Dawn is a 20-year CERT volunteer and currently works with Cary CERT Memberships.
CERT volunteers have made an impact for individuals working long hours and filling roles within the State Emergency Response Team. Their kindness is especially appreciated by those who are coming to assist from out of state. "Coming all the way from upstate New York, I have felt nothing but welcome and appreciated since I first walked through the doors of the SEOC on October 5 and signed in at the front desk," said NYS Incident Management Team PIO Erin Hanczyk. "CERT volunteers have played a big part in helping me feel like this is my home away from home."
“I enjoy greeting everyone because they deserve to feel welcome and appreciated since they are here to help.” My-Chau Matrick has volunteered with CERT for almost 20 years. “I enjoy giving back and I have such a passion for emergency management and helping people.” My-Chau also started volunteering with the SEOC September 30th. She considers herself a worker bee and is currently assisting Logistics with sourcing lodging for responders.
There’s A Place for Everyone Here
NC CERT helps more than just those impacted by disaster. It offers a truly welcoming volunteer program that is open to all.
“I remember this moment when a person with mobility impairments came up to me, and he said, 'I bet you couldn’t use someone like me,'” recalls Samantha Royster, NC’s CERT and REVC Program Manager. “I looked at him and noticed he had a HAM radio on his side. I said, 'you are exactly who I need!' His face lit up with joy.”
There are 72 teams across the state of North Carolina and 2,557 active volunteers. The majority of these are community-based teams, most of which are sponsored by fire departments or county emergency management offices. Two of these teams have teen groups as well. A handful are faith-based teams. Five universities within the UNC system have campus CERT programs and more than 100 high schools across the state offer CERT as part of the curriculum in their public safety academies. In 2024 alone, 807 high school students have completed the training.
CERTs have proven themselves to be an active and vital part of their communities' preparedness and response capabilities. For example, CERTs have been used to:
- Distribute and/or install smoke alarms and batteries to those living in low-income housing
- Assist with evacuations and traffic control
- Promote community awareness of potential hazards and preparedness measures
- Supplement staffing at special events, such as festivals and parades
- Act as victims in training exercises and drills
- Assist with vaccine clinics
History of FEMA’s CERT Program
FEMA’s CERT programs educate volunteers about disaster preparedness within their communities. Programs offer life skills training and can be tailored to the needs of those requesting the program. CERT works with schools, organizations, disadvantaged communities, individuals with different abilities, and more.
The CERT concept was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1985. CERT became a national program in 1993. There are now CERT programs in all 50 states, including many tribal nations and U.S. territories. Each is unique to its community and all are essential to building a culture of preparedness in the United States. There are more than 3,200 local CERT programs nationwide and more than 600,000 people have trained since CERT became a national program.