The 2025 National CERT Conference is coming to Indiana, and emergency managers and CERT volunteers across the state are encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity to attend a national-level event right in their backyard.

Scheduled for Aug. 4-9 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Plainfield Indianapolis Airport, the conference brings together leaders in community preparedness. It offers a robust selection of classes to enhance both personal and program development. Although early-bird registration has ended, you can still register at nationalcert.org.

With more than 30 sessions available, the conference will strengthen CERT programs and foster collaboration between emergency managers and trained volunteers. This year’s lineup includes several sessions of interest, such as:

CERT and the Missing Person Incident: This session explores how CERT can support complex missing person incidents using the Incident Command System, ICS forms and the Lost Person Questionnaire. It offers insights into how trained volunteers can serve as a valuable resource during rapidly evolving searches.

From Hold Music to Hope: Revolutionizing Contact Centers for Disaster Recovery: Attendees will learn how to modernize disaster recovery call centers by improving trauma-informed training, reducing staff burnout and implementing survivor-centered approaches. This session is particularly relevant for those seeking to enhance operations and engagement during high-demand recovery periods.

CERT Utilizing Resource Typing and Position Task Books: Learn how FEMA resource typing and PTBs can enhance CERT capabilities and clarify deployment expectations. This session will help emergency managers align local teams with national standards and better integrate volunteers during disaster operations.

For full details and registration, visit nationalcert.org.

To learn more about CERT and other Citizen Corps volunteering programs, visit the Citizen Corps Programs page on the IDHS website.