Advanced Training

Training in disaster response should not be a one-time event. We encourage all CERTs to reinforce your skills through follow-up training and skills practice for effective response to a disaster. Check the calendar for upcoming events.

You can never practice enough

Drills and exercises are excellent opportunities for CERT graduates to practice, assess and improve emergency response plans and on-the-ground operations while refreshing the concepts and skills learned in CERT training.

It is important that we tailor our exercises to reflect realistic events that may impact our communities to ensure we practice those skills needed most.

In Marin County we offer a variety of advanced trainings during the year, in addition to an annual skills refresher and disaster simulation. Working through practice disaster scenarios with other teams will provide an opportunity not only for extended practice, but also for valuable networking with teams throughout the County.

In a disaster, you never know who you will be working with, so the experience of having a common purpose and language is invaluable.

What we’ve done lately

Volunteering at public events

CERTs may be offered volunteer opportunities by their local Fire Department or emergency manager to assist at an event passing out preparedness literature at an event, traffic safety, staffing a cooling shelter, or other events. Let your local coordinator know if you are interested in volunteering.

Upcoming trainings & volunteer opportunities

December 10th 10am – 12pm
Disaster Shelter Training
To be sent on completed enrollment ( San Rafael location )

Take part in a 2 hour Disaster Shelter Fundamentals. Open to all CERTS. Spaces are limited. For more information click on the registration link

Register
November 16th 2024 9am – 11am
Sandbag training
To be sent on completed enrollment ( Central Marin location )

As the winter weather approaches, the Marin County Office of Emergency Management would like to encourage our CERTS to be sandbag-trained

Register

How and when to re-certify

Your CERT training certificate and Disaster Service Worker (DSW) insurance coverage is valid for 4 years from the completion of the CERT training. During that time, you must attended at least one CERT advanced training annually to keep your certificate active.

To recertify as a CERT member, contact your local CERT coordinator and request a recertification. Disaster Service Worker (DSW) forms will need to be re-signed, a new photo taken and an updated ID card will be mailed to you. Your local agency or CERT coordinator is responsible for keeping track of advanced training participation, re-certifications and DSW status.

If it has been more than 4 years since your CERT training and you want to re-engage with the program, contact info@readymarin.org. We always welcome CERTs who wish to retake the training.

Disaster Service Worker (DSW) explained

The Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Program (DSWVP) was created as the result of legislation to provide workers’ compensation benefits to registered Disaster Service Worker (DSW) volunteers who are injured while participating in authorized disaster-related activities, including pre-approved training. The Program is run by CAL OES. Disaster service, as defined for the Program, is designed to aid in the response and recovery phases in a disaster or emergency. CERT volunteers who are deployed by their local agency are eligible. The Program also provides limited immunity from liability.