CERT members receive 17 and a half hours (one day a week for seven weeks) of initial training. The seven-week course is followed by full-day biannual refresher drills and an opportunity to assist the first responders in Shelby County at local incidents. CERT is provided free of charge within Shelby County to anyone 18 or older. To join, please contact the Emergency Management Agency at (205) 669-3999.