Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

About CERT

Chesterfield County’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is based on the American tradition of neighbors helping neighbors prepare for emergencies. It provides support and direction is provided by Chesterfield Fire and EMS through the Office of Emergency Management, and works closely with other volunteer programs such as the Chesterfield Medical Reserve Corps and Chesterfield Neighborhood Watch. Learn more about the Chesterfield Emergency Planning Committee.

More than 1,000 people have completed initial CERT training. Additional training is offered after graduation. CERT members will be offered opportunities to participate in outreach events and disaster exercises. Learn more about the program in the CERT video.

Course Overview

The CERT course is a free 24-hour program offered to the community members 18 years of age and older which provides them with the basic emergency response skills that are essential in the critical time after a disaster and before emergency responders arrive on scene. Instructors provide hands-on training in such critical areas as:

  • Basic Emergency Medical Skills
  • Emergency Communications
  • Fire Safety and Suppression
  • Disaster Preparedness
  • Disaster Psychology
  • Search and Rescue Techniques

Graduates earn a certificate and CERT emergency gear including a backpack and helmet. View the course syllabus (PDF).

Online CERT Refresher Classes

You can now take free online CERT refresher classes on your own schedule. If your schedule does not allow you to attend in-person classes, then you are welcome to take these classes. Once all online classes are completed, you will be offered the opportunity to practice and demonstrate hands-on skills at an in-person event in order to obtain a 317 – Chesterfield CERT Certificate.

Register for an online CERT course (hosted by the University of Utah):

  • Go to “Online Training - CERT 2021 en”
  • Click the red “Register” button
  • Select “Chesterfield County VA CERT” as your CERT organization; this is important, as we will see your completed certificate dates if you select us correctly
  • To access the course, click on “My Courses” on the menu to your left; to log in at a later date, please use your email and the default password "training"

If you need any help, contact Chesterfield CERT or use the online support help (chatbot in bottom right of screen).

Registration and Waitlist

Registration for CERT Basic Class #72, which will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 3, is now available through the CERT Training Registration form. If you are unable to attend this class session, register for the waitlist using this same form to be notified regarding upcoming CERT classes.

CERT Team in Action

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