Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

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Next Community Emergency Response Team Training Session Announced

The City of Simi Valley Office of Emergency Services will be hosting the next Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program. The training will be taught by the Ventura County Fire Department and will run from September 9, 2026, through October 14, 2026.

Training Schedule

Classes will be held on six consecutive Wednesday evenings, beginning on September 9, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the City's Emergency Operations Center, located at the Simi Valley Police Department.

The course concludes with a one-day disaster simulation scheduled for a Saturday shortly after the final class.

Disaster Simulation TBD from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Ventura County Fire Department Regional Training Center in Camarillo.

Sign Up Today

Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

To register for the Spring or Fall CERT training, email cert@simivalley.org and include:

Your name
Your address
Your email address
Your phone number

Why Join CERT?

CERT training is a great opportunity for people who want to help their families, neighbors, and community during emergencies and disasters.

Participants will learn the following:

Disaster Preparedness
Fire Safety and Suppression
Light Search and Rescue
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Organization
Disaster Medical Operations
Terrorism Awareness
Disaster Psychology

Eligibility

The training is free for people who are 12 years of age or older and live or work in Simi Valley.

Participants ages 12–17 may enroll with a parent or guardian. During hands-on activities, youth participants will complete required skills only with their accompanying parent or guardian.

What You'll Receive

Participants who complete the entire course will receive:

Student workbook
Certificate of Completion
CERT start-up kit, including:
- Helmet
- Work gloves
- Safety vest
- Safety goggles
- Flashlight

What Is CERT?

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is part of Citizen Corps, a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) initiative. The program helps people prepare for emergencies through education, training, and volunteer service. In Simi Valley, the CERT training is offered twice a year, in the Spring and Fall.

CERT empowers community members to become better prepared for disasters, public health emergencies, and other local emergencies. Through training and teamwork, participants gain the knowledge and skills to support their communities when help is most needed.

Community Emergency Response Team Frequently Asked Questions:

WHY WAS THE COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (CERT) PROGRAM DEVELOPED?

WHAT WILL I NEED?

Time! The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training is presented in six weekly 3-hour sessions and one 8-hour session on the final class date for a total of seven sessions. Attendance at all seven sessions is required for graduation privileges and receipt of your certificate of completion.

Materials! Students are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes (no open toes) and bring a sack lunch to the Saturday session. All other supplies will be provided. Most importantly...bring a good attitude, enthusiasm and willingness to learn and help others!

HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR THE COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM TRAINING?

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I COMPLETE COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM TRAINING?

After participants complete CERT training, participants are encouraged to:

Check and update their emergency kits every year.
Attend refresher training to practice and maintain their skills.

Joining a volunteer program is not required. Many people take CERT training to learn how to prepare for emergencies and help their families and neighbors.

If you would like to continue your training or volunteer during emergencies, contact the City's Office of Emergency Services at cert@simivalley.org. Staff can provide information about the Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Program and the CERT Volunteer Program.

Disclaimer and Non-Discrimination Policy

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training has an age requirement of 18 years or older, or 12 -17 if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Course spots are reserved on a first come-first served basis only. The City of Simi Valley Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training only conducts non-discriminatory classes. Non-discrimination includes race, religion, gender and group affiliations. The City of Simi Valley does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services and activities.

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