Contact info@CERTClarkCountyWA.com for additional information.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training is an opportunity for people of all ages, sizes, and physical abilities to learn valuable basic skills needed during an emergency.
Whether you are interested in learning how to take care of yourself and your family, your neighborhood, or taking an active role in community preparedness, the CERT training will help increase your confidence and provide peace of mind.
Fall 2023 Training Class
Thank you for your interest in the CERT program. The Basic Training class consists of seven sessions and a final drill; the cost is $35 per person. All eight sessions must be attended to receive a course completion certificate and to participate in activities and further training with the CERT Clark County, WA group. Minimum age is 18, or 17 with an adult. There is no maximum age. People of all skills and abilities are encouraged to participate. All participants must be Clark County residents.
The dates for our two fall classes are listed below. Registration will open on Tuesday, 8/29; applications will not be accepted prior to this date. Information on the registration process will be posted by the first of August.
Class 3
Session 1: Weds. 9/13 7:00 to 9:30 pm
Session 2: Weds. 9/20 7:00 to 9:30 pm
Session 3: Weds. 9/27 7:00 to 9:30 pm
Session 4: Sat. 9/30 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Session 5: Weds. 10/4 7:00 to 9:30 pm
Session 6: Weds. 10/11 7:00 to 9:30 pm
Session 7: Weds. 10/18 7:00 to 9:30 pm
Final Drill: Sat. 10/21 8:30 am to 1:00 pm
All classes will be held in Ridgefield, at:
Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue Station 21
911 N 65th Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642
Class 4
Session 1: Thurs. 9/21 7:00 to 9:30 pm
Session 2: Thurs. 9/28 7:00 to 9:30 pm
Session 3: Thurs. 10/5 7:00 to 9:30 pm
Session 4: Sat. 10/7 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Session 5: Thurs. 10/12 7:00 to 9:30 pm
Session 6: Thurs. 10/19 7:00 to 9:30 pm
Session 7: Thurs. 10/26 7:00 to 9:30 pm
Final Drill: Sat. 10/28 8:30 am to 1:00 pm
Evening classes will be held at:
Bridgeview Resource Center
505 Omaha Way, Vancouver, WA 98661
Saturday class locations TBA
CERT Training requires a commitment of 24+ hours for classroom and field training, along with approximately one hour of reading homework each week, culminating in a final field exercise.
Registrants must pass a background check and sign a code of conduct.
Classes are typically offered one night a week and include two Saturday sessions; attendance is required at all classes for certification.
The following topics are included in each CERT Basic Training Class:
Session 1: Intro to CERT & Basic Emergency Preparedness
Session 2: CERT Organization & Disaster Communications
Session 3: Disaster Psychology & Terrorism
Session 4: Fire Safety & Utility Controls and Light Search & Rescue Operations
Session 5: Disaster Medical Operations 1 & Stop the Bleed
Session 6: Disaster Medical Operations 2
Session 7: CERT in Clark Co. -- the Practical Application
Session 8: Final Drill
The CERT program educates volunteers of all ages, ranging from stay-at-home parents, students, seniors, and individuals working full-time in how to prepare for the hazards that may impact their area and how to assist their neighborhood in the event of a disaster.
CERT volunteers are trained to:
Check on the safety and well-being of their neighbors
Suppress small fires using a fire extinguisher
Conduct light urban search and rescue
Provide emergency medical aid and psychological comfort to survivors
Organize and direct other individuals who offer assistance
Through their participation in neighborhood activities and events, they assist in preparedness outreach and public education.
CERT volunteers help build relationships between the community and emergency responders.
Here are links to additional resources for Emergency Preparedness information:
Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) https://www.cresa911.org/162/Emergency-Preparedness
Sign Up for Emergency Alerts https://member.everbridge.net/453003085616336/login
Emergency Management Alerts & Warnings https://www.cresa911.org/206/Alert-And-Warning
Disasters & Emergencies https://www.ready.gov/
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/foodwater/prepare.html