Join the CERT Program
Be Disaster Ready
Preparing for disasters large and small takes a small amount of equipment, supplies, training, and above all, practice.
CERT Basic Training
Train for Disasters & Emergencies
Take the CERT Basic Training Class to be prepared for disasters and emergencies,
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UPDATE:
Black Mountain Fire Department offered the North Carolina Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training Class (NC-317) on two-and-half days over the weekend of August 1-2-3, 2025.
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The class was oversubscribed with 60+ applications, and room for only 25.
All of the students graduated with a ​NC-317 Certification of Completion from the State of North Carolina, which is a requirement for joining any CERT team in the State.
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The class was free, available to anyone (not just Black Mountain citizens) and is valuable to anyone interested in learning how to be better prepared for disasters and emergencies. Current members or candidates of the Black Mountain CERT Program were given priority in registration.
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Sessions were held at the Black Mountain Fire Department, in the heart of Black Mountain, NC.​
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We hope to offer the class twice a year, so the next class is tentatively planned for Jan-Feb 2026.
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SIGN UP FOR NOTIFICATIONS to hear about the future classes, including classes nearby in our WNC region. Sign up for CERT information here.
Consider Joining the Black Mountain CERT Program
​​Taking the class is NOT joining the team. The class prepares you to serve on the team, but there is separate process to apply to join the team.
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​​If you would like to serve your community in emergencies and disasters, please consider applying to become an Emergency Volunteer. We provide some of the equipment you'll need, training opportunities, and seek people who can keep a level head in a stressful emergency.
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Candidates with background experience and training in a variety of skills such as Outdoor Leadership, retired or former First Responders, Educators, Medically-trained, Amateur Radio Operators, and others are definitely encouraged to apply. We have special teams within the Program for specific skill domains -- bring your super power to your community!
Thank You
This class is made possible in part by funding provided by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina.​​
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The Black Mountain CERT Program is entirely staffed by volunteers from the Black Mountain Community. Many members contribute more than their time -- they make donations of equipment and specialized services (such as this website!).
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If you can help with funds, services, or equipment, please consider helping us be ready -- you can find more information about donating here. Thank you.