Disaster Preparedness: It Starts with You
In emergencies—whether it’s a natural disaster, power outage, or unexpected crisis—being prepared can make all the difference. For many families, that preparation starts with a 96-hour survival kit, but it doesn’t stop there. One of the most empowering steps you can take next is CERT training.
Let’s break down how these two pieces—survival kits and CERT certification—work together to strengthen your personal safety and your ability to help others.
What is CERT?
CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) is a program developed by FEMA that teaches basic disaster response skills such as:
-
Fire safety
-
Light search and rescue
-
Team organization
-
Disaster medical operations
After completing the training, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace after an event when professional responders may not be immediately available.
Why Pair CERT with a Survival Kit?
1. Self-Sufficiency in the First 96 Hours
After a disaster, help may not arrive immediately. That’s where your 96-hour survival kit comes in. It gives you the essentials—food, water, first aid, warmth, and communication tools—to take care of yourself and your family for at least four days.
Pair that with CERT skills, and you’re not just surviving—you’re capable of assisting others safely, too.
2. Confidence During Chaos
Having the gear is one thing. Knowing what to do with it under pressure is another. CERT training gives you the hands-on experience to manage situations confidently, from triaging injuries to extinguishing small fires.
3. Community Connection
CERT is all about community resilience. While your survival kit protects your family, CERT training enables you to connect with other local volunteers, helping to organize neighborhood responses and share resources when it matters most.
Must-Haves in Your CERT-Ready Survival Kit
Want to build a kit that complements your CERT skills? Here are essentials to include:
-
Hard hat, gloves, goggles – For light search and rescue
-
Whistle and flashlight – For signaling in dark or smoky environments
-
First aid kit – Ideally with trauma supplies
-
High-calorie food & water pouches – 96 hours’ worth per person
-
Emergency radio (hand-crank or solar-powered) – For NOAA alerts
-
CERT vest or ID tag – Helps identify you to emergency personnel
How to Get CERT Certified
CERT programs are offered across the U.S., often for free by local fire departments or emergency management offices. To find one near you, visit https://www.ready.gov/cert and search by your ZIP code.
Final Thoughts
Preparedness is more than having a survival kit on hand—it's about knowing what to do when disaster strikes. By investing a few hours into CERT training, you become a resource for your community and a first responder in your own home.
So, don’t wait for the next earthquake, storm, or blackout.
Pack your kit. Train with CERT. Be the help until help arrives.
Disaster Preparedness: It Starts with You
In emergencies—whether it’s a natural disaster, power outage, or unexpected crisis—being prepared can make all the difference. For many families, that preparation starts with a 96-hour survival kit, but it doesn’t stop there. One of the most empowering steps you can take next is CERT training.
Let’s break down how these two pieces—survival kits and CERT certification—work together to strengthen your personal safety and your ability to help others.
What is CERT?
CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) is a program developed by FEMA that teaches basic disaster response skills such as:
-
Fire safety
-
Light search and rescue
-
Team organization
-
Disaster medical operations
After completing the training, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace after an event when professional responders may not be immediately available.
Why Pair CERT with a Survival Kit?
1. Self-Sufficiency in the First 96 Hours
After a disaster, help may not arrive immediately. That’s where your 96-hour survival kit comes in. It gives you the essentials—food, water, first aid, warmth, and communication tools—to take care of yourself and your family for at least four days.
Pair that with CERT skills, and you’re not just surviving—you’re capable of assisting others safely, too.
2. Confidence During Chaos
Having the gear is one thing. Knowing what to do with it under pressure is another. CERT training gives you the hands-on experience to manage situations confidently, from triaging injuries to extinguishing small fires.
3. Community Connection
CERT is all about community resilience. While your survival kit protects your family, CERT training enables you to connect with other local volunteers, helping to organize neighborhood responses and share resources when it matters most.
Must-Haves in Your CERT-Ready Survival Kit
Want to build a kit that complements your CERT skills? Here are essentials to include:
-
Hard hat, gloves, goggles – For light search and rescue
-
Whistle and flashlight – For signaling in dark or smoky environments
-
First aid kit – Ideally with trauma supplies
-
High-calorie food & water pouches – 96 hours’ worth per person
-
Emergency radio (hand-crank or solar-powered) – For NOAA alerts
-
CERT vest or ID tag – Helps identify you to emergency personnel
https://www.prepandsurviveshop.com/cert
How to Get CERT Certified
CERT programs are offered across the U.S., often for free by local fire departments or emergency management offices. To find one near you, visit https://www.ready.gov/cert and search by your ZIP code.
Final Thoughts
Preparedness is more than having a survival kit on hand—it's about knowing what to do when disaster strikes. By investing a few hours into CERT training, you become a resource for your community and a first responder in your own home.
So, don’t wait for the next earthquake, storm, or blackout.
Pack your kit. Train with CERT. Be the help until help arrives.
