Dallas CERT training emphasizes accountability for yourself, your family, and your community by stressing the importance of personal preparedness and accountability. Our CERT volunteer members are expected to have
an awareness of their neighborhoods, and to pre-determine possible evacuation sites that will facilitate effective, safe and rapid response to emergencies.
The CERT program teaches our volunteer members about disaster preparedness for hazards that affect our area. The program trains you in basic disaster response skills (fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations).
Two classes have been added to the 2023 schedule, the first is an online Introduction to the Basic CERT course in March, and the second is an in-person full class in April. Please view the schedule below and sign up via the "Apply Now" button. More classes are expected. Please stay tuned or visit us at Twitter.com/DallasCERT.
Apply Now
City of Dallas
Community Emergency Response Team
Introduction to Basic CERT Training Class – 230310
Online Computer Based Training
Friday, March 10, 2023
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Disaster Preparedness
7:00 pm – 7:30 pm Fire Safety
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Medical Trauma
This course is the popular virtual 3-hour Introduction to CERT. This course is an online introduction to some of the material taught in the in-person 20-hour CERT Basic Course and does not provide a CERT qualification. If you want to complete CERT Basic Course, please select CERT Basic course in the dropdown menu when you sign up.
This Introduction to CERT course is computer-based training (CBT). We strongly recommend the use of a computer or iPad for this class. The use of a smartphone is NOT sufficient.
Expect an email approximately two days before the beginning of class with the instructions to join the online course. We plan on using Microsoft Teams to present the course. If you are unfamiliar with Microsoft Teams, please become familiar with this platform before starting this class.
Please note, we must have a minimum of 12 students enrolled before Wednesday, March 8 at 5 pm, for the class to occur.
*Module dates are subject to change- ALL sessions must be completed to obtain certificate. Missed sessions may be made up in future CERT classes.*
City of Dallas
Community Emergency Response Team
Training Class – 230408
Dallas Fire-Rescue Training Academy
5000 Dolphin Rd., Dallas, TX 75223
Saturday, April 8, 2023
8:00 am – 10:30 am Unit 1 Disaster Preparedness
10:30 am – 12:00 pm Unit 6 Fire Safety
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Unit 3 Disaster Medical Operations Part 1
Unit 4 Disaster Medical Operations Part 2
Saturday, April 15, 2023
8:00 am – 12:00 pm Unit 7 Search & Rescue
12:00 pm –1:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Unit 2 CERT Organization
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm Unit 5 Psychology
3:30 pm – 4:45 pm Unit 8 Terrorism
4:45 pm – 5:00 pm Day 3 Morning Walkthrough
Saturday, April 22, 2023
8:00 am – 12:00 pm Unit 9 Course Review & Final Exercise
*Module dates are subject to change- ALL sessions must be completed to obtain certificate. Missed sessions may be made up in future CERT classes.*
During a major emergency, when first responders are unable to respond immediately, CERT team members:
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Assume leadership roles and coordinate spontaneous volunteers.
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Assess situations and properly brief emergency responders when they arrive.
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Recognize the potential hazards associated with a particular type of event and take appropriate action.
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Assist others with the emotional distress realated to major emergencies and disaster conditions.
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Administer first aid and/or triage casualties.
CERT members have proven themselves nationally to be an active and vital part of their communities preparedness and response capability. For example, CERT members have been used to:
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Build a network of trained citizens within neighborhoods, businesses, and places of worship to assist with a basic emergency response during emergencies or disasters.
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Assist with evacuations and traffic control.
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Promote community awareness of potential hazards and preparedness measures.
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Supplement staffing at special events such as parades and public safety activities.
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Portray victims in training exercises.
With the assistance of the Dallas Police Department's Interactive Community Policing Unit and established Crime Watch, Homeowner's Associations, and Civic Church groups, the program has grown phenomenally since 2007. Many CERT participants already belong to other community service or social organizations, including Volunteers in Policing, Crime Watches, Neighborhood and Homeowner's Associations, NAACP, the Christian and Islamic Communities, and City of Dallas employees.
Hear from members why they joined CERT and what it means to them.
Primarily as a result of this advertisement through multi-media (TV, radio, newspaper, and social media), we have representatives from virtually every sector of Dallas enrolled in the program. We anticipate continued success in training our citizens to take personal responsibility for themselves and their families and to support their community during an emergency or disaster in the City of Dallas.
The Dallas CERT training program includes the following sessions:
- Unit 1- Disaster Preparedness
- Unit 2- CERT Organization
- Unit 3- Disaster Medical Operations Part 1
- Unit 4- Disaster Medical Operations Part 2
- Unit 5-Psychology
- Unit 6- Fire Safety
- Unit 7- Light Search and Rescue
- Unit 8- Terrorism
The final session includes a disaster simulation to allow volunteers to apply their newly acquired skills in a simulated environment. CERT Graduates receive a certificate of completion.
Photography
We understand you want to take photos during trainings and activations for a variety of uses - including social media. Please read over our guidelines for photography available at this link - Photography Recommendations.
Dallas CERT Online Courses
CLICK HERE to take the Dallas CERT Online Courses:
In addition, CERT volunteers are encourage to take continuing education classes to refresh and enhance skills. Since March 2007, CERT members have completed the following continuing education classes:
- Ham Radio Operator's Technician Class
- Incident Stress Management
- Strategic National Stockpile (large-scale medicine and antidote distribution)
- And several disaster exercises
Apply Now
For more information contact OEM or the CERT Program Manager-Cassandra Wallace at:
OEM: OEMDepartment@dallas.gov or via fax: 214-670-4677.
CERT Program Manager, Cassandra Wallace: cassandra.wallace@dallas.gov
