The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number. CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens will be initially on their own and their actions can make a difference. CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.

The basic qualifications for a CERT volunteer are:

1. Membership shall be legal residents of the United States of America, and agree to serve without compensation.
2. It is recommended that the applicant shall be 18 years of age or older, and in good physical and mental health. It is recommended that applicants under the age of 18 should apply with an accompanying parent or guardian that will also apply for membership. The parent or guardian must accompany the minor to all CERT activities including but not limited to training sessions, drills, disaster response, community volunteer activities for CERTs, advanced training opportunities and the like.
3. Applicant must be in good general physical and mental health.
4. Applicant must be a resident of Waseca County.
5. Applicant will be required to submit and pass a criminal history background check.
6. Applicant shall submit to operating as a CERT as spelled out in the Waseca County CERT Standard Operating Guide (SOG).
7. Applicant must possess a valid driver’s license.