Note: Course is in-person over 7 consecutive Wednesday nights weeks in duration; attendance to a minimum of 6 units is mandatory and must include the Unit 1 (first week) and Final Exam/Disaster Simulation (final week), please register only if you can meet this commitment, missed classes can be made-up at later date or subsequent course (following season) to receive certificate.

Learn to Be Prepared for Emergencies and Disasters!

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) “Basic” training provides you a free opportunity to learn emergency and disaster preparedness skills that help you respond to a range of emergency situations. Evening classes are held one night a week over seven weeks. During CERT Basic you will learn about the following topics:

Preparedness - For disasters and every day
Fire Safety, Use of Fire Extinguishers, & Hazmat Awareness
Disaster Medical Operations & Triage
Light Search and Rescue
CERT Organization and Incident Command basics
Basic Disaster Psychological First Aid and Critical Incident Stress Management
CERT Member Roles During Terrorism, Mass Casualty, and Active Shooter Events
Participate In A Hands-On Disaster Simulation Exercise

CERT Basic training is a great opportunity for individuals, and service, community, and faith-based groups to easily and conveniently gain knowledge about preparedness, staying safe, and helping others in the event of an emergency or disaster.

This event is a collaboration between the Ottawa County CERT (Ottawa Emergency Management) and Muskegon County Emergency Management and is open to residents of surrounding communities. Participants who successfully complete the training will be presented with a Certificate of Completion for the CERT Basic Curriculum (2019 Version - current).

Registrations are closed

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training - Fall 2025