What is CERT training?
Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) help their communities when a disaster happens. CERTs are volunteers who have received basic disaster response training to provide help until first responders arrive. CERT training is a national program supported by FEMA. Classes are posted on the event calendar.
To learn more, watch a full video about CERTs in Action.
What you’ll learn
This is not just a lecture class. You will practice by participating in several disaster simulations.
First Aid
- Set up a medical triage area
- Treating people for shock
- Stop the bleed
- Splinting limbs
Fire Safety
- Learn about different types of fire extinguishers
- Practice putting out fires to build muscle memory
Search & Rescue
- Practice light search and rescue techniques to help locate and extract victims
- Safely transport them to a medical area
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is CERT training
CERT training includes 20 hours of instruction. The format offered can vary between standard in-person, and hybrid, a combination of online and in-person instruction. You do not have to live in the city it is being offered to attend, everyone is welcome to attend a class anywhere in the County.
Will I be able to participate?
Anyone over the age of 18 can take the CERT training. During the training, if you are concerned about doing a skill such as lifting, just let the instructor know. You can learn from watching.
How do I maintain my skills?
After you’ve taken the CERT training, you can take it again for free at any time, to brush up on your skills. If you took CERT training in another state or county, we can re-certify you.