Article   ·   September 22, 2026

National CERT Week: Celebrating 40 Years of Neighbors Helping Neighbors

National Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Week is September 20–26, 2026, and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is joining communities across the country in recognizing the dedicated volunteers who help make their communities safer and more prepared.

This year’s theme, “Carrying the Torch: 40 Years & Beyond,” celebrates the 40th anniversary of the CERT program while looking ahead to the next generation of community preparedness and volunteer service.

What is CERT?

The CERT program trains volunteers in basic disaster preparedness and response skills so they can safely help themselves, their families, neighbors and communities when emergencies happen.

CERT members receive training in areas such as disaster medical operations, fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster psychology and team organization. Depending on the needs of their community and sponsoring organization, CERT volunteers may also support emergency operations centers, assist with traffic and crowd management, participate in exercises and community events, and share preparedness information with the public.

CERT programs can be organized for communities, workplaces, campuses and teens, providing different ways for Oregonians to get involved.

CERT in Oregon

Oregon has more than 50 active CERT programs across the state. These locally organized teams are supported by sponsoring organizations such as emergency management agencies, fire departments, cities and other government partners.

CERT volunteers strengthen the connection between community members and professional emergency responders. During a major disaster, first responders may be focused on the most urgent life-safety needs. People who have preparedness and response training can take immediate, safe actions to help those around them until additional assistance is available.

That idea is at the heart of CERT: When disaster strikes, you are the help until help arrives.

CERT isn't only about responding after a disaster. Volunteers also help build preparedness before emergencies occur by participating in exercises, supporting community events and encouraging their neighbors to take steps to prepare with the Be 2 Weeks Ready program. More than 60 CERT volunteers also serve as Be 2 Weeks Ready Program Coordinators.

Carrying the Torch

National CERT Week is an opportunity to recognize the volunteers who have given their time and talents to their communities while encouraging more people to become involved.

As CERT celebrates 40 years, its mission remains as relevant as ever. Prepared communities are built by people who know their neighbors, understand local hazards and are willing to learn skills that can make a difference when an emergency occurs.

This National CERT Week, OEM encourages Oregonians to learn more about CERT, connect with a program in their area and consider becoming part of Oregon's network of trained community volunteers.

Learn more and find one of the 50+ active CERT programs in Oregon:
Oregon OEM Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program

National CERT Week: September 20–26, 2026

2026 Theme: Carrying the Torch: 40 Years & Beyond

It is the mission of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to lead collaborative, statewide efforts to support Oregon’s communities before, during and after emergencies, with a vision to create a ready and resilient Oregon. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem. You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email OEM_PublicInfo@oem.oregon.gov. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711.

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