As Salem’s Emergency Manager, I am committed to building a resilient

community prepared to face any disaster. Central to this mission is the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, a cornerstone of our city’s emergency preparedness strategy. CERT empowers our residents with the skills and confidence to respond effectively during crises, ensuring Salem remains strong and united in the face of adversity.

The Power of CERT in Salem

The CERT program, supported by FEMA, trains volunteers to prepare for and respond to hazards like earthquakes, floods, and wildfires that threaten our region. Through a 21-hour training course, participants gain critical skills in fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, radio communications, and disaster medical operations. These abilities allow CERT members to provide immediate assistance in their neighborhoods during the crucial first 72 hours after a disaster, when professional responders may be delayed by damaged infrastructure or overwhelming demand (Salem Oregon CERT).

With over 200 trained CERT volunteers in Salem, we have a dedicated network ready to act when needed. These individuals can assess damage, administer first aid, conduct light search and rescue, and coordinate community resources, serving as an essential link between residents and our professional response teams. Their efforts can save lives and mitigate the chaos of a disaster’s early stages.

Why CERT Matters to Salem

I deeply value the commitment of our CERT volunteers, whose dedication strengthens our community’s resilience. By undergoing rigorous training and participating in regular drills, they demonstrate a profound sense of responsibility to their neighbors. CERT fosters a culture of preparedness, encouraging residents to take ownership of their safety and support one another during emergencies.

For instance, CERT members are trained to conduct door-to-door assessments after a disaster, reporting critical information like road closures, damaged homes, shelter needs, fires, and casualties. This data is invaluable for our emergency management teams, enabling us to prioritize resources and respond effectively. By acting swiftly, CERT volunteers amplify our capacity to manage crises, especially when resources are stretched thin.

I acknowledge, however, that we have faced challenges in fully integrating CERT into our emergency operations. Public feedback during the 2023 Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (NHMP) update highlighted instances where CERT was underutilized, such as during neighborhood flooding. We are actively addressing these gaps by formalizing CERT’s role in our planning and ensuring their contributions are recognized and leveraged (City of Salem NHMP).

CERT’s Place in Salem’s Emergency Framework

The CERT program is a key pillar of Salem’s emergency management strategy, as outlined in our Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (NHMP) and Salem Emergency Management Plan (SEMP). The NHMP, adopted in November 2023, embraces a “whole community” approach, engaging individuals, families, businesses, and organizations in preparedness efforts. CERT is integral to this vision, enhancing neighborhood resilience through education and training (City of Salem NHMP).

In the NHMP, we’ve designated CERT as a partnering organization under Action MH #11, ensuring their skills are utilized in our mitigation and response strategies. This integration enables CERT volunteers to collaborate closely with our fire department, police, public works, and other agencies, creating a coordinated response to emergencies. The SEMP further defines CERT’s roles, such as setting up treatment areas, performing triage, and supporting communication efforts during a disaster.

My office oversees CERT coordination, providing regular training, mock disaster drills, and supplemental learning opportunities. These activities, including exercises simulating earthquakes or floods, keep volunteers prepared and foster strong community networks essential for effective response. Our goal is to ensure CERT members are confident and capable when called upon.

Overcoming Challenges and Building for the Future

While CERT is a tremendous asset, I recognize areas for improvement. Since 2019, the issuance of identification badges for CERT members has been delayed due to disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. These badges are critical for identifying volunteers as official responders during emergencies. We are working diligently to resolve this issue and equip our volunteers properly.

Looking ahead, I am committed to expanding the CERT program to engage more residents. By offering free training sessions, such as those planned for January and April 2025, we aim to grow our volunteer base and deepen community preparedness (Salem Reporter). I encourage all Salem residents to consider joining CERT and contributing to our city’s strength. Details on upcoming training and how to get involved are available on the Salem Oregon CERT website (www.salemoregoncert.org).

A Resilient Salem, Together

As Salem’s Emergency Manager, I am proud to lead a community that embraces collective preparedness. The CERT program embodies this spirit, empowering residents to protect their neighborhoods and support one another. By investing in CERT, we are preparing for disasters while building a stronger, more connected Salem.

I am immensely grateful for our over 200 CERT volunteers, whose dedication makes our city safer. Their efforts, combined with our ongoing work to integrate CERT into our emergency plans, ensure Salem is ready to face any challenge. Together, we are forging a resilient future, prepared to respond and recover as a united community.

Key Citations

• City of Salem Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan November 2023
• Salem Oregon Community Emergency Response Team Website
• Salem Fire Department Official Page
• Salem Reporter: Preparing for Emergencies Takes All of Us