Organize Your Block with “Ready Together!”
Build a Safer, More Connected Neighborhood
Are You and Your Neighbors Ready for a Disaster?
Disaster strikes fast—but together, we can be ready. CERT Richmond has launched an easy-to-follow neighborhood preparedness program called Ready Together!, designed to help you organize your block at your own pace.
We know everyone’s busy and that not everyone’s eager to knock on every neighbor’s door. That’s why Ready Together! is built in levels. You can start with Level 1 - The Bare Bones, and add more as time, energy, or community spirit grows.
👉 Visit CERTRichmond.org and click on “Organize Your Community” tab to access printable checklists, neighborhood map instructions, and materials in English and Spanish.
Here is the overview of the program and stages of organizing your block:
✅ Start with Level 1 – The Bare Bones
Identify your block area (aim for 15–25 homes)
Choose a Gathering Site and Care Center
Create and distribute a block map with shut-off valve locations
Print and share essential disaster planning handouts
✔️ Includes: Emergency contacts, OK/Help signs, first steps after a disaster, and more! Once you have decided on a gathering site, care center, and created a block map, you can email CERTRichmond@gmail.com to request 15-25 OK/Help signs that go on doorknobs.
📋 Level 2 – Block Contact List
Once the basics are in place, gather contacts and skills from your neighbors.
Who has pets?
Who has medical training?
Who might need extra help?
Encourage folks to choose a response role:
✔️ Damage Assessment
✔️ Small Fire Suppression
✔️ Light Search & Rescue
✔️ Medical
✔️ Emergency Radio Communications
Pro tip: Use Google Docs so others can help manage the list and keep it up to date.
🎉 Level 3 – Host a Neighborfest Party
Bring your community together with food and conversation!
Modelled after San Francisco’s successful Neighborfest, this is a great way to:
Build stronger neighbor connections
Share maps and info
Talk about disaster planning in a low-stress environment
Download the Neighborfest guide from our Organize Your Community page.
🧯 Level 4 – Hold a Disaster Drill
Now that your team is forming, practice what to do.
A small block drill helps uncover gaps and builds confidence. Find tips in the Organize Your Block checklist.
Encourage your neighbors to take a free CERT class—online or in-person!
Online Class: This 16 hours class is not a certificated class as it lacks the hands-on component, but it will provide you with necessary skills to respond safely in a disaster to support your family and community. You can also do the sections that you are most interested in becoming trained in. For example, you may have some block members who want to do the Search and Rescue modules while others do Disaster Medical modules. That way you have multiple people on your block with specific skills. The link to the course will be provided after filling in the form as we want to know who is taking the training to build resilience in our community.
Spring CERT Academy INTEREST form: Richmond provides a hands-on CERT Academy in the spring that includes 9 three-hour classes, 2 online units, and a Saturday drill. Participants are expected to complete all classes. If you fill in the form, you will be contacted in early spring when the schedule for the next class is offered. Depending on interest and available staffing, a fall academy may be offered.
🔗 Get Started Today
Head over to www.CERTRichmond.org and visit the Ready Together! “Organize Your Community” section. Everything you need to get started is there, including all checklists, maps creating instructions, and step-by-step guides.
Let’s make Richmond safer—one block at a time.
Maintain Your CERT Skills
Feeling a little rusty on your CERT skills? Visit our growing collection of videos and resources on our Maintain Your CERT Skills page.
The page is divided into CERT Modules and includes ICS forms as well. Stay current on your skills.
Home Disaster Preparedness Class
Home Disaster Preparedness: video
If you would like to request a Home Preparedness Class for your community, please fill in this Form.
Volunteers Needed 🙏🏽
Do you have a couple of hours to make your community safer? Consider volunteering with us. Right now we’re looking for people to help with social media and writing this newsletter. See the List of Volunteer Opportunities. If you are able to help, email us at CERTRichmond@gmail.com and let us know your name, the task you want to help with, and the best number to reach you at. Many hands make for light work.