A new program designed to equip local first responders with crucial resources in the event of a disaster will rely on a crew of volunteer citizens.
The Black Mountain Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), which reports to the Black Mountain Fire Department, will train and coordinate residents to assist in defined roles when called upon.
Adopted by FEMA in 1993, the National CERT Program allows municipal agencies to sponsor local chapters. While more than 7,000 CERTs are active throughout the country, including approximately 84 in N.C., Black Mountain will be the first in Western N.C., according to David Billstrom, who is coordinating the local program…