Buckhannon Observes National CERT Week, Marks 40 Years of Disaster Relief
National CERT Week is being observed in Buckhannon, West Virginia, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program and its disaster relief work.
Clarksburg Weston, WV, September 21, 2026 —
Buckhannon, West Virginia, is currently observing National CERT Week, an event dedicated to recognizing the vital contributions of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. This year’s observance holds particular significance as it commemorates the 40th anniversary of the CERT program’s inception.
The CERT program, established 40 years ago, is a volunteer-based initiative designed to train civilians in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery skills. Volunteers are educated on basic disaster mitigation, emergency preparedness, fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
The program’s core mission is to equip community members to help themselves, their families, and their neighbors in the event of a disaster when professional responders may be overwhelmed or delayed. This includes assisting emergency services, providing immediate support, and contributing to community resilience during and after emergencies such as natural disasters, public health crises, or other large-scale incidents.
National CERT Week serves as an opportunity to highlight the dedication of CERT volunteers and raise public awareness about the importance of community preparedness. Events and activities often include demonstrations, training sessions, and public outreach designed to encourage more citizens to join the program and learn essential life-saving skills. The 40th anniversary milestone underscores the program’s enduring impact and its continued relevance in strengthening communities against various threats.
Buckhannon’s participation in National CERT Week underscores the local commitment to emergency preparedness and honors the collective efforts of CERT teams nationwide. The program’s success over four decades is attributed to the volunteers who dedicate their time and skills to enhancing the safety and security of their communities.
Story summarized from the original created by Joey Rather on www.wboy.com, see more information here.
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