The CERT Basic Course was created to help the participant help themselves and their household before, during, and after a disaster or emergency.

The CERT Basic Course is a 20-hour course that is taught classroom-style with hands-on activities.  Participants perform tasks such as use a fire extinguisher, practice bandaging and splinting, and lifting large objects using cribbing techniques.  The class ends with a disaster simulation that gives participant the chance to put their new skills into practice.

Participants are taught to be able to take care of themselves, their family, and neighbors in the event of a disaster…in that order.  Therefore, if a person just wants to take the class so they can take care of themselves and their family, they will not be turned away.

While this is valuable training, it does not ‘qualify’ the participant to help anyone beyond their household or immediate neighbors. For most of the population, this is enough.  For others, they want to serve others. These individuals complete additional training and join one of the teams in the county.

CERT volunteers under their sponsoring agency’s leadership have helped during emergencies and disasters such as flooding events and the Ridgecrest Earthquake.

CERT volunteers also support planned events like large races and parades.  CERT volunteers also provide information at community events to help everybody prepare for a disaster.

FEMA provides “IS-317: Introduction to Community Emergency Response Teams,” as an independent study course that serves as an introduction to the CERT Basic Course.

If you are still interested, locate a CERT volunteer team near you to inquire about the next available CERT Basic Course. Since the curriculum is standardized, you can attend a class in a neighboring area and still join your local team.