A pivotal part of the preparedness of Mahaska County belongs to its citizens. An involved community is a well-prepared community, and your family's and friends' partnership with Mahaska County Emergency Management is the foundation of our homeland security and emergency management strategy. Mahaska CERT has been nationally recognized multiple times for responses to emergencies and its training program.
In addition, the Mahaska CERT program has demonstrated the important role volunteerism plays in strengthening community preparedness, resilience, and emergency response capabilities. Through training in disaster response, first aid, fire safety, search and rescue, and community support operations, local volunteers help supplement professional responders during emergencies and large-scale incidents. Volunteer-driven programs like Mahaska CERT not only increase community readiness, but also build stronger connections between residents, public safety agencies, schools, healthcare organizations, and local government. The dedication and service of Mahaska CERT volunteers has been recognized multiple times through the prestigious Governor’s Volunteer Award, highlighting the team’s ongoing commitment to serving Mahaska County before, during, and after emergencies.