Why join the Anne Arundel – Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (AAACERT)
You Are The Help Until Help Arrives
During CERT Basic Training classes, you will...
- learn how to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe before, during, and after a disaster.
If you become a member of AAACERT, you will...
- become a trusted and trained community member who can be activated to help in a disaster or emergency situation if first responders are not readily available.
How do CERT members know what to do?
- CERT members receive training and certification in disaster response skills. The AAACERT Basic Training course includes classroom education and hands-on training. Topics covered by this FEMA-approved CERT course include disaster preparedness, first aid, hazardous materials awareness, and damage assessment.
- After completing the CERT Basic Training, members have the opportunity to participate in drills and exercises to enhance their knowledge and keep their skills sharp.
How do I become a member?
- Complete a Waiver of Liability with Anne Arundel County.
- Submit a AAACERT application (which includes a skills inventory) – electronically fillable (NOTE: if using Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer, right click and select “Save target as”).
- Apply for and successfully pass a county-approved background check.
- Pay a new member fee ($12) and annual dues ($10) – total of $22.
Notes:
- Click here for a full copy of AAACERT’s Membership Policy.
- A physical signature is required for the Waiver of Liability.
- Certificates for older versions of the FEMA Independent Study Classes or FEMA-supplied transcripts are acceptable.
- A Basic CERT certificate from another sponsored CERT program is acceptable.
- The Waiver of Liability, Independent Study Certificates, Basic CERT certificate (if from another sponsored CERT program), and AAACERT application should be sent to membership@aaacert.org.
- All forms will open from our document management system. Save the form locally to your computer to begin filling them out.
How do I achieve and maintain Operational membership?
- Take FEMA Independent Study Classes IS-200 and IS-800 to become NIMS compliant.
- Participate in 20 hours of activities each calendar year (prorated for the first year). Activities include any approved emergency preparedness or response training; participation in exercises, incidents, or events; or AAACERT committee work.
- Continue to pay annual dues.