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 CERT Program will again offer the North Carolina Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training Class (NC-317) on two-and-half days over the weekend of January 23-24-25, 2026.
We offered this last year in August, 2025. More than 70 people applied to participate, with a maximum class size of 25. We expect the January, 2026 class to be equally popular so be sure to apply promptly to this new opportunity.
All of the students in the August class 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 is 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 will be given priority in registration.
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Sessions will be held at the Black Mountain Fire Department, in the heart of Black Mountain, NC.​
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You can sign up for the January Class using this form. We will notify you by email if your application is accepted.
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We also recommend that you ​join our email list to GET NOTIFIED about future classes, preparation for disasters and emergencies, and updates from Black Mountain CERT.
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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Since we need members of the team in every neighborhood in the Black Mountain Fire District (includes Montreat and Ridgecrest) we encourage everyone and anyone to apply. You do not have to have special skills in order to serve your neighborhood -- we will train you!
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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.​​ And the support of many families, individuals, and businesses.
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The Black Mountain CERT Program is entirely staffed by volunteers from the 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.