Stay Involved

After completing the CERT basic training, what do I do? The best way to stay connected is to stay involved. Consider these options: 

• Share the information you've learned with your family and friends. Better yet, get them to take the training. Everyone can benefit from preparing!

• Participate in advance or refresher training. Opportunities are emailed monthly to graduates.

• Monthly meetings are conducted to increase your personal and community preparedness, offer additional training, and provide networking opportunities with your fellow CERT graduates.

• Bring your expertise to the instructor team. If you are interested in becoming a CERT instructor, contact the City of Richmond's Office of Emergency Services to inquire.

CERT Continuing Ed

CERT members that have completed the Basic Training are given the opportunity to expand their knowledge, hone their skills, and learn how to participate in a broader range of volunteer activities through the Continuing Education program.

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Online / Self-Paced Classes

FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute offers lots of interesting courses. Check their Independent Study Program for the list. Here are some on CERT Structures:

• National Incident

• Management System 

• IS-100 - Intro. to Incident Command

• IS-200 - Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response

• IS-700 - Intro. to National Incident Management System

• IS-800 - National Response Framework

Specialized Training

These are additional free classes offered through FEMA to extend your skills and learn about different aspects of emergency response.

• CERT Animal Response Module II (not available on FEMA, internal CERT Richmond link)

• IS-11.A: Animals in Disaster: Community Planning​​

Continuing Education Courses

American Red Cross –   Learn American Red Cross roles, responsibilities, methods, and protocols used in shelter operations. They also offer First Aid/CPR/AED and a host of other classes.

​Find a class near you at American Red Cross.