CERT Training

CERT - Community Emergency Response Team

When an emergency occurs, it’s absolutely critical to be as prepared as possible. Over the past decade, Ventura County residents have experienced wildfires, floods, mudslides, earthquakes, and more. To aid in proper preparation for these events, Ventura County Fire Department has coordinated with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist residents with disaster preparedness education and training.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program teaches community members about the potential disasters that could affect them at any time—and how to safely, responsibly, and efficiently respond to them. CERT educates volunteers in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, team organization, hazard awareness, and disaster medical operations.

Completion of the CERT program requires approximately 24 hours of FREE training. Each graduate receives a CERT disaster start-up pack including a helmet, gloves, vest and goggles along with their certificate of completion.

Training Information
The Ventura County Fire Department partners with Ventura County Cities and other organizations to plan CERT training. For a list of scheduled classes click on the calendar button or contact your local Coordinator listed below.

Ventura County Coordinators
CERT program efforts are coordinated through local emergency services personnel. Team coordinators are in charge of recruitment, new/recurring training, activity/event scheduling as well as mobilization and staging decisions.

Ventura County Fire Department CERT Coordinator
Steve Lazenby
Email: steve.lazenby@ventura.org
Cell: (805) 794-6094