Informational Meeting
Monday, March 31, 2008
6:30 pm
Hopkins Fire Station,
101 17th Ave S
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program
The City of Hopkins and the Hopkins Fire & Police Departments are looking for volunteers that would be interested in participating in a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program. The CERT Program consists of a group of volunteers who have been trained to assist with basic disaster response such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations.
What does CERT do?
CERT participants assist family members and others in their neighborhood or workplace following an incident when professional responders are not immediately available to help. Members also assist with community events such as Raspberry Days and Mainstreet Day. CERT members are involved in disaster drills along with the Police and Fire Departments to maintain their skills.
How do I qualify?
You must live in Hopkins, be at least 18 years of age, submit to a background investigation and successfully complete the 24-hour training course.
Is there training?
Yes, training requires 24 hours of instruction. The CERT course is taught in the community by a team of First Responders who have completed a CERT Train-the-Trainer course. CERT training includes disaster preparedness, disaster fire suppression, basic disaster medical operations, and light search and rescue operations. Classes are one night per week from 6 - 10 pm and last for six weeks. There will be a final simulation drill on a subsequent Saturday from 8 am - noon.
I’m interested – now what?
Submit your name, address, phone numbers, and e-mail address by e-mail to at the Hopkins Fire Department. He can also be reached by phone at 952-548-6466.