Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

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CERT Program

Local government prepares for everyday emergencies. However, during a disaster, the number and scope of incidents can overwhelm conventional emergency services. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is designed to educate participants and volunteers in disaster response skills for hazards near where they live or work.

CERT Basic Training

The City of Puyallup invites those who live or work in the City of Puyallup to attend our next session of CERT Basic. CERT Basic Training is led by the Puyallup Emergency Management Division. The CERT curriculum includes:

  1. Disaster Preparedness
  2. CERT Organization
  3. Disaster Medical Operations - Part 1
  4. Disaster Medical Operations - Part 2
  5. Disaster Psychology
  6. Fire Safety and Utility Controls
  7. Light Search and Rescue Operations
  8. Terrorism and CERT
  9. Course Review, Final Exam, and Disaster Simulation

Students will complete an in-person skills check to practice skills such as fire suppression, basic medical aid, and light search and rescue. If you miss a class, you will need to arrange with instructors to make it up.

Upon successful completion of CERT Basic, participants may have the opportunity to join a CERT Team as a volunteer for the community. There are a wide range of ways that CERT volunteers help from administrative roles to on-the-ground activation in the event of an emergency.

Class Schedule

Eight classes will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00pm - 9:00pm, starting March 7 through March 30, 2023.

Who is Eligible?

Priority is given to participants that live or work in the City of Puyallup. Applicants must be 16 years or older. Class size is limited.

How to Apply

To participate in the 2023 CERT Basic Training you must print, complete, and return the CERT Participation Form.

Registration update: The March 2023 class is at capacity however we have started a wait list. Please complete the participation form and we will let you know if and when a space becomes available. For more information or questions, please email prepare@puyallupwa.gov.

CERT Participation Form

Joining a CERT Team

The CERT concept was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1985. CERT became a national program in 1993. There are now CERT programs in all 50 states, including many tribal nations and U.S. territories. Each is unique to its community. The CERT program offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization. The videos below offer insight on CERT Teams in action.