During an emergency the City of Salem's professional  emergency services personnel are the best trained and equipped to handle the situation.  Following a catastrophic disaster that overwhelms Salem's professional response , howerver, you and the community may be on your own for a period of time because of the size of the area affected, communications issues, and unpassable roads.  The Salem Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is designed to prepare you to help yourself and to help others until Salem's emergency services personnel can arrive.  The Salem CERT Program is managed by the City of Salem's Fire Department through the Salem Emergency Manager.