CERT

Community Emergency Response Team Training

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training Program educates individuals on disaster preparedness for hazards that may affect their area and provides training in essential disaster response skills, including fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

Through the knowledge gained in the classroom and hands-on exercises, CERT members are equipped to assist others in their neighborhood or workplace after a disaster, especially when professional responders may not be immediately available. CERT members are also encouraged to take a more active role in supporting emergency response agencies and participating in emergency preparedness projects within their communities.

CERT Training is free of charge and consists of a three-day course, available in March and September 2025. Please see the schedule and class locations below.

If you’re interested in attending one of the classes, please click on the appropriate link to register.

The Training Covers:

Disaster Preparedness
Fire Safety
- Fire Extinguisher Training
- Light Search and Rescue
Hazard Materials Awareness
Damage Assessment
Disaster Medical Operations
- Stop the Bleed
CERT Team Organization
Disaster Psychology
Terrorism Awareness
Emergency Communications
Access and Functional Needs Awareness
Disaster Drill and Simulation

The CERT program originated in Los Angeles, California, before expanding across the United States and internationally. In February of 1985, officials from LA traveled to Japan to study its disaster response plans. They discovered that Japan had comprehensive, neighborhood-based training programs focused on fire suppression, light search and rescue operations, first aid, and evacuation.

Following this, the LA group traveled to Mexico City after a devastating magnitude 8.1 earthquake in 1985, which claimed over 10,000 lives. Despite the lack of pre-disaster training, groups of volunteers conducted light search and rescue operations. These volunteers were credited with saving over 800 lives, though more than 100 volunteers tragically lost their lives in the effort.

Recognizing the importance of pre-disaster training, LA officials began training leaders of neighborhood watches in basic skills such as fire suppression, light search and rescue, and first aid. The first team of 30 individuals completed their training in early 1986, demonstrating the effectiveness of the program through drills, demonstrations, and exercises.

CERT Classes

March Class – Closed

Friday, March 7, 2025 6:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.
Saturday, March 8, 2025 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Sunday, March 9, 2025 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Click here to register for the March class. (Class is full)

** Note Location for the March Class will be Redlands Senior Center 111 W Lugonia Ave, Redlands, CA 92374

September Class –

Friday, September 5, 2025 6:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.
Saturday, September 6, 2025 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Sunday, September 7, 2025 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Click here to register for the September class.

**Note** Location for the September Class will be Redlands Senior Center, 111 W Lugonia Ave, Redlands, CA 92374

January 2025 Class – Open Spanish Course – Clase Enero 2025 – Cerrada

Esta es una clase en español. El Programa del Equipo de Respuesta a Emergencias Comunitarias (CERT, por sus siglas en inglés) educa a las personas sobre la preparación para desastres para los peligros que pueden afectar su área y los capacita en habilidades básicas de respuesta a desastres, como seguridad contra incendios, búsqueda y rescate ligeros, organización de equipos y operaciones médicas en caso de desastres. La capacitación CERT es gratuita y es un curso de tres días en el mes de Enero y Febrero de 2025. Consulte el horario y la ubicación de la clase a continuación. Si está interesado en tomar una de las clases, haga clic en el enlace correspondiente para registrarse en una clase.

Viernes, Enero 31, 2025 6:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.
Sabado, Febrero 1, 2025 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Domingo, Febrero 2, 2025 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Click aqui para registrarse en las clases de Enero.

**Nota** Ubicacion de las Clases Redlands Senior Center, 111 W Lugonia Ave, Redlands, CA 92374

CERT Incident Rehab

Description: CERT Incident Rehab is a four-hour module that trains CERT members to safely set up and perform the non-medical functions of first responders (firefighters or policemen) rehabilitation. CERT members will learn: 1) the definition of and need for Incident rehab; 2) the physiological threats to first responders; 3) an overview of what happens at the scene of an incident; and, 4) how CERT members set up and what they do in the rehab area.
CERT Incident Rehab Overview: (if you have already taken it, no need to retake again)

8:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Location: Redlands Senior Center 111 W Lugonia Ave, Redlands, CA 92374

Click here to register for the class.

For additional information contact:

Esther Martinez
Emergency Operations Specialist
(909) 307-7313
emartinez@cityofredlands.org

Listos Program

Listos is a grassroots disaster preparedness program designed to meet the unique needs of communities. It is delivered in a way that is both culturally and linguistically appropriate for the target audience.

Alertar y Preparar LISTOS was developed by Aware and Prepare, based in Santa Barbara, to provide Spanish-language disaster preparedness education at both local and national levels. The core of the Alertar y Preparar LISTOS program focuses on building sustainable relationships and partnerships with local businesses, community leaders, and non-profit organizations.

Listos is a free training program available to the community. Currently, Listos training is offered in both Spanish and English. The course is an 8-hour session.

If your organization is interested in hosting a Listos training, please contact Esther Martinez, Emergency Operations Specialist, via email or by calling (909) 307-7313.

CERT Training Waiting list / Interests Form

If you are interested in participating, click here to add your name to the list and be notified when registration opens or to be placed on the waiting list for the upcoming course. You may be notified of available seats up to 2 day prior to the course. *This link does not register you for the class.