CERT teams are trained in basic emergency response procedures such as:
- Conducting an initial size-up of the situation in their immediate area
- Reducing immediate dangers by turning off utilities, suppressing small fires, and evacuating hazardous areas
- Performing immediate medical triage and basic treatment of injuries
- Assessing structural integrity and performing light search and rescue
- Collecting and recording vital information to be relayed to professional responders on damage, victims, and actions taken or resources needed
- Providing leadership to untrained volunteers