The point of CERT
CERT is, first of all, training. It teaches basic disaster response skills so you can help yourself and the people around you when a disaster hits and professional help can't get there yet. After the Basic CERT Training, you may be able to join local team functions, depending on the program's plans and your interests. Source: Be Ready Utah – CERT
CERT in Ivins
The Ivins CERT is made up of local volunteers who completed FEMA CERT training and certification. It is sponsored by SCI (Santa Clara-Ivins) Public Safety, and SCI Police or SCI Fire & Rescue can call on members to help in an emergency. Ideally, a CERT member serves as Zone Captain at each Hub Box. They oversee Rapid Injury and Damage Assessment, relay information up the chain, and coordinate early stabilization efforts. Source: Ivins City Disaster Response Plan
“CERT is an essential component of our emergency preparedness program. Our CERT team is the second-tier response unit just below our full-time Public Safety Personnel.” Mayor Chris Hart, Ivins City Newsletter, Sept 2025
Core messages & values
- Safety
- Preparedness / self-reliance
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Practice
- Everyone has a place
- Problem solving
- Be part of the solution
- The greatest good for the greatest number in the shortest time
Source: Be Ready Utah
Official CERT programs (Utah)
To be recognized in Utah, a CERT program must be approved and sponsored by local government, registered with the State, and approved at the state level. It also needs a designated point of contact, must run the full standardized Basic Course plus at least one exercise or drill each year, and has to keep its training records locally. FEMA also defines three typed positions: CERT Volunteer, CERT Team Leader, and CERT Section Chief. Source: Be Ready Utah