Emergencies can strike without warning—whether it’s a severe storm, a power outage, a fire, or even a medical crisis. In those critical moments, a prepared community can make all the difference. That is why your homeowner’s association should consider developing community emergency response teams (or CERTs).
Learn more about these essential groups and how they can help protect your residents, minimize damage, and coordinate recovery efforts during emergencies.
What is a Community Emergency Response Team?
Before you can develop a CERT, you need to know what they are and how they function.
A Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a group of trained volunteers who assist in emergency preparedness and response. CERTs in HOAs typically use residents and provide their volunteers with basic training in disaster response, light search and rescue, fire safety, medical operations, and communication protocols.
The goal of a CERT is not to replace first responders. However, these crucial teams can provide essential support until professionals arrive and even keep residents from panicking in the aftermath of an emergency.
Benefits of Forming a CERT in Your HOA
Here are a few reasons to consider forms CERTs in your HOA.
- They provide faster response times. In a crisis, every minute counts. CERT members are already part of an HOA community, and thus, will be on-site during an emergency. This allows them to take action while waiting for emergency services.
- They allow for effective communication. A CERT can serve as a bridge between residents and local authorities, ensuring accurate information and reducing confusion.
- They can increase safety awareness. Even before emergencies occur, CERT training can help residents learn about proper emergency preparedness.
- They create strong community bonds. Working together in training and drill scans foster trust and cooperation among neighbors in the HOA, making your community more cohesive.
Steps to Develop a CERT in Your HOA
Considering creating a CERT in your HOA? Follow these steps.
- Assess the most common emergency risks in your community.
- Recruit volunteers.
- Partner with local agencies to provide proper training.
- Establish roles and protocols for each CERT.
- Once the CERT is established, conduct regular drills and refresher courses.
At ACRI Community Realty, we are proud to assist Pittsburgh area HOAs in organizing and launching their own CERT programs. From helping recruit volunteers to connecting you with the proper local training resources, we help ensure your community is ready to respond confidently in any emergency.
Contact ACRI Community Realty today to learn how we can help make your HOA stronger from the inside out.
