Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

What Is CERT?

CERT is a nationally recognized 20-hour training program that educates residents about preparing for hazards that may impact their community, while also teaching basic disaster response skills that can be used when emergencies occur.

The course combines classroom instruction with hands-on activities and concludes with a final disaster simulation exercise. CERT training emphasizes the principle of doing the greatest good, for the greatest number, recognizing that in major disasters, community members are often the first to help one another when emergency response resources are delayed or overwhelmed.

The CERT Basic Training course consists of eight instructional units, including:

  1. Disaster Preparedness
  2. CERT Organization
  3. Fire Safety and Utility Controls
  4. Disaster Medical Operations I
  5. Disaster Medical Operations II
  6. Light Search and Rescue Operations
  7. Disaster Psychology
  8. CERT and Terrorism

CERT training builds practical skills, confidence, and situational awareness so participants can take safe, effective action to protect themselves, their families, and those around them.

No prior emergency response experience is required.

Who Should Take CERT?

CERT training is open to:

  • Residents interested in disaster preparedness
  • Neighborhood leaders and volunteers
  • Members of community-based and faith-based organizations
  • Anyone who wants to be better prepared for emergencies

Participants must be 18 years of age or older, or 14 years of age or older when attending with a parent or legal guardian.

Current Program Model: Train and Release

At this time, the City’s CERT Program operates as a train and release model. This free training requires a 20-hour commitment and provides participants with a CERT Certificate and CERT Backpack. 

This means residents who complete CERT training gain valuable preparedness and response skills but are not organized into a City-managed volunteer response team. CERT graduates return to their homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, and community organizations better prepared to take care of themselves and assist others during emergencies.

Upcoming Courses:

March 13-15, 2026 at Jurupa Valley City Hall: Register Here (link to form)

  • Friday, March 13: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 
  • Saturday, March 14: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
  • Sunday, March 15: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

May 8-10, 2026 at Jurupa Valley City Hall: Register Here (link to form)

  • Friday, May 8: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 
  • Saturday, May 9: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
  • Sunday, May 10: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.