Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training Information
If we experience a major disaster in the Salt Lake Valley, public services, including fire and police, will likely be completely overwhelmed. The 911 system we have come to rely on as citizens will be bombarded with people in need and resources will be stretched thin. Factors such as the number of people injured, communication failures, and road blockages will prevent people from accessing the emergency services they have come to expect. People will have to rely on each other for help in order to meet their immediate life sustaining and life saving needs. In anticipation of these harsh realities, UFA sponsors local CERT training.
Following the Mexico City earthquake in 1985, as many as 800 lives were saved by volunteers reaching out to help their neighbors in need, however, 100 of these spontaneous volunteers lost their lives trying to help others. Many of these deaths could have been prevented with some simple training. CERT is designed to provide that training and knowledge.
Knowledge is the first step. Understanding that disasters are strong possibilities and that they can strike at any time helps us to want to prepare. Once we understand the grimm possibility, we should do our part to prepare ourselves and our families. For help on preparedness, UFA offers a one night program called "Are You Ready?" More information can be found under our Community Training Tab. The next step would be to obtain more training in areas that would give them skills to help their neighbors and communities in times of need. This is what CERT provides.
Disasters happen when you least expect them. Being prepared is the key to overcoming them. CERT will 
teach you about different kinds of disasters, and how the response differs in each situation. By knowing this and the other information that is covered in the course, you will be able to assist with the recovery and survival efforts in the case of a disaster of any scale. The CERT Teams in Unified Fire Authority’s response area are becoming an integral part of the disaster mitigation plan.
CERT classes are taught throughout all UFA areas. To find a class near you, click the link below. Classes are scheduled regularly. If you are unable to attend all sessions of a class, you may visit other classes to ensure you receive the full instruction.
(Fall 2008 classes will be scheduled soon-check back)
What is the course syllabus?
The course is split into 6 sessions. The topics covered are:
Session 1: Disaster Awareness and CERT Organization
Session 2: Fire Suppression, Hazardous Materials, and Terrorism
Session 3: Medical Operations I
Session 4: Medical Operations II
Session 5: Search and Rescue, and Table Top Exercise
Session 6: Disaster Psychology and Final Review
Students will also attend a disaster simulation at the end of each session. Locations and dates will be announced in class.
The class costs $30 per participant. This covers:
- The course manual and various handouts
- A kit that includes bandages, splints, and other emergency items you will use during the course.
- A hard hat
- Safety vest
- Particulate masks
- Students are required to bring leather gloves and eye protection (goggles or safety glasses) the first night of class. Sturdy work boots arealso recommended.
Registration Information:
In order to properly plan for our classes, we respectfully request that those persons interested in CERT training pre-register for the course. Additionally, payment will be required the first night of class.
Class is available to all citizens 18 or older who are interested in learning the essentials of community emergency response during disasters. Youth over 14 years of age may also participate, but must be accompanied by a parent at all training sessions. After completing the course participants are eligible to receive a certificate of completion.
You may register by mailing a registration form to the address below by mail. Print out our registration form online. Remember: Payment is required the first class.
For more informaion or questions please call 743-7100 or email communityassistance@ufa-slco.org
Mailing Address:
Unified Fire Authority
Attn: CERT Program
3380 South 900 West
Salt Lake City, Utah 84119-4102
Checks should be made payable to “Unified Fire Authority” or “UFA”.