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,
Black Mountain Fire Department is offering 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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Our schedule starts with a kickoff on Friday night 6pm-8pm (8/1/25) and then two full days packed with hands-on practice and presentations from a variety of instructors on Saturday and Sunday, 8am-5pm (8/2 and 8/3/25). We will end promptly at 5pm Sunday.
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Successful completion of this class will result in a NC-317 Certification of Completion from the State of North Carolina, which is a requirement for joining any CERT team in the State (many will have additional requirements, but this certification is always required).
You are encouraged but not required to join a CERT team after completing this class.
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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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We are limiting the class size to 25 and we expect it to fill quickly. After you register here, we will notify you by email if you have a spot in the class -- your registration here does not guarantee that you will be in this class.
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We hope to offer the class twice a year, so the next class will be in Jan-Feb 2026.
Consider Joining the Black Mountain CERT Program
​​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.