Apply 

New team members must complete a basic training occurring on a weekend in October. Applications are typically due in the summer on the timeline below:

• July 19, 2024: Applications due 
• August/September: Applicant interviews, background checks 
• September: Applicants notified 
• October: Basic training event 

Applicants must be 21 or older. To begin the process, fill out a volunteer application and indicate you are interested in the CERT program. For questions or more information, contact Volunteer Services at 763-509-5230 or volunteer@plymouthmn.gov.

The CERT program offers a resource of citizens trained by local emergency management and public safety professionals who can provide community education and emergency response support. The group reinforces the city’s volunteer mission and enhances public safety through: 

• Training
• Community education
• Emergency management planning and response deployment

Fundamental to Plymouth CERT is an ongoing, routine training program. Training is held monthly, and members are expected to attend at least six trainings annually. Certain training topics may be required, and additional training opportunities may be offered. 

Plymouth CERT typically holds at least one live-scenario training per year, which provides the team an opportunity to practice a variety of skill sets within a large-scale simulated scenario. Trainings can include a combination of lecture, hands-on skills practice, table-top scenario and live simulation. 

CERT volunteers play a critical role in providing support to fire, police and paramedic services at emergency scenes and disaster sites. They also work proactively to participate in community preparedness planning and provide public education outreach. Participation in activations typically vary depending on timing, scale and need. CERT activations are typically unscheduled and arise at the time of need. CERT also participates in various community events held within Plymouth to serve community outreach and in support of public safety.

Plymouth CERT trains on the following skill topics. Additional topics may be included based on team needs: 

• Disaster preparedness 
• Basic first aid  
• CPR/AED 
• Disaster medical operations 
• Disaster psychology 
• Emergency Operations Center support  
• Fire safety and utility controls 
• Search and rescue 
• Radio operations

Examples of possible community outreach activities include, but are not limited to:

• Education tables at community events
• Neighborhood group engagement 
• Preparedness discussions with community groups
• Night to Unite
• Provide public education outreach on a variety of topics

Examples of possible emergency support activities include, but are not limited to: 

• Support of Plymouth’s Emergency Operations Center 
• Emergency public notifications 
• Sheltering
• Participation in city Emergency Management training drills 
• Disaster response