Hanover CERT

Hanover CERT The official page of the Hanover County Community Emergency Response Team

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is made up of volunteers of all ages, occupations, and locations throughout Hanover County. CERT teaches people how to take care of themselves, their family, and their community until Fire-EMS can arrive. For more information contact us at: [email protected]

The concept of CERT was born in the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1985. They realiz

ed that, during major disasters such as earthquakes, first responders would not be able to meet the demands for fire and medical services. People would have to be self reliant to help meet their immediate life saving and life sustaining needs. Among the subjects taught during the basic CERT class are:
• fire suppression
• light search & rescue and cribbing
• triage and basic first aid techniques
• basic preparedness
• incident command structure

We have assisted with multiple COVID pandemic events (vaccination centers, food and hot spot distributions for Hanover Schools), the Virginia Operations Plan Exercise (VOPEX) 2014 – a simulated radiological emergency at the North Anna Nuclear Power Station, the Robert Wood Jr. search, the Louisa earthquake, water/ice distribution, and public service events. Our members have gone on to take more advanced courses and certifications such as damage assessment, Red Cross Shelter Operations, NOAA SkyWarn, compass/map reading, disaster psychology, hazmat, and electrical safety.

In the Hanover Review this month...Our CERT unit was featured.
05/27/2026

In the Hanover Review this month...

Our CERT unit was featured.

At our membership meeting, we learned about the Project Lifesaver program provided by the Hanover County Sheriff's Offic...
05/08/2026

At our membership meeting, we learned about the Project Lifesaver program provided by the Hanover County Sheriff's Office.

Hanover County Project Lifesaver is a free public-safety program run by the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office in Hanover County, Virginia. It’s designed to quickly locate people with cognitive conditions who are prone to wandering.

The program is for residents with Alzheimer’s disease, autism, dementia, Down syndrome, or other cognitive/developmental disorders that may cause wandering.

Participants wear a small, waterproof, watch-sized radio transmitter on the wrist or ankle. It emits a unique frequency signal 24/7.

If someone goes missing, caregivers should call 911 immediately. Specially trained Sheriff’s Office personnel respond with directional tracking equipment to locate the signal.

The average rescue time is typically under 30 minutes, compared to hours or days for searches without this technology. Localities using this technology are reporting an average recovery time of 13 minutes.

Project Lifesaver is free to Hanover County residents.

Sheriff’s deputies and trained volunteers change the transmitter battery monthly on a set schedule. If the person wanders, caregivers must call 911 immediately.

The program receives local support, major donations from the Mechanicsville Rotary Club, and the Mechanicsville Ruritan.

Project Lifesaver “not only serves to keep our most vulnerable citizens safe, but also develops lasting relationships between deputies, volunteers, and participants”.

To enroll, contact the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office for an application and more information. The service is available to county residents who meet eligibility criteria.

The Sheriff’s Office handles applications directly. Call 804-365-6140 and ask for the Project Lifesaver coordinator.

From Chief Anderson...Team,Today, May 4, 2026, is International Firefighters’ Day, and I want to take a moment to recogn...
05/04/2026

From Chief Anderson...

Team,

Today, May 4, 2026, is International Firefighters’ Day, and I want to take a moment to recognize the women and men of Hanover Fire-EMS who serve with compassion every day.

This profession asks a great deal of you and your families. Whether you are serving in operations, training, IT, logistics, or the Office of the Fire Marshal, your professionalism and dedication to the mission matters. Days like today are a reminder of the Pride, Accountability, Courage, and Teamwork that define our profession and guide us. Our mission is carried out in the decisions made every day. Take care of yourself and your team, stay mission-focused, and be all-in.

I am proud of the service you provide, the compassion you show, and the commitment you bring to our department and community.

On behalf of the Senior Leadership Team, thank you for what you do, for how you do it, and for the pride you bring to Hanover Fire-EMS.

Chris Anderson, IAAI-CFI
Chief of Fire-EMS
Hanover County, Virginia
Pride • Accountability • Courage • Teamwork

Today is International Firefighters' Day!

Today, we celebrate the incredible men and women of Hanover Fire-EMS who show up day and night, rain or shine, to protect and serve our community. From fighting fires and responding to medical emergencies to technical rescues and everything in between, our crews are always ready when Hanover County needs them most.

To our career staff, our volunteers, and every first responder who wears the Hanover patch, we are proud of you and grateful for your service. Thank you for all that you do!

Mooooove on out to the Hanover Airport for the annual Chik-fil-A Cow Drop. The event goes on until 3pm and we're having ...
05/02/2026

Mooooove on out to the Hanover Airport for the annual Chik-fil-A Cow Drop.
The event goes on until 3pm and we're having a great time!

Hanover CERT will be assisting at this event.
04/29/2026

Hanover CERT will be assisting at this event.

Address

P. O. Box 6531
Ashland, VA
23005

Telephone

+18046906229

Website

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