I too, am taking CERT classes (CyFair CERT) and we have our mock disaster drill/graduation next week. The Harris County Citizen Corps/OEM makes good use of the various CERT groups around the county. After the Katrina disaster last year while our Astrodome, Reliant Center, and George R. Brown convention center were used to house refugees, the CERT system was activated and several hundred CERT volunteers helped in a variety of positions. Also, during the horrible Rita evacuation, CERT members helped those stuck in the traffic jams. Last week during the flooding here in Houston, CERT was activated to man a flood relief shelter.

Upon graduation, we will be issued official Harris County IDs (having undergone a background check first) and will be recognized by the OEM and also local area first responders as legitimate trained volunteers.

We're looking forward to the drill next week!