The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

The City of New Bern CERT program is sponsored by the New Bern Police Department and meets the last Monday of each month in the Mall Sub-Station at 7:15 pm throughout the year for refresher training. Completion of the CERT Basic Training Program is required for membership. These classes are conducted at Craven Community College on a periodic basis. The class meets for 8 sessions, typically two evenings a week for 4 weeks. If you are interested in being contacted when the next class is being formed, contact Sgt Flowers at the New Bern PD at 672-4289 or flowerse@newbernpd.org or Jim Morrison jmorrison00@gmail.com .