aerial view of Western's campus at night facing northwest, with golden lights surrounded by dark trees

Enrollment for CERT Basic Training is now open!

CERT Basic Training, Kendall/Maple Falls

August 5 – September 23, 2026

8 Class Meetings of 3 hours each

6:00 – 9:00pm Wednesdays

Whatcom Co. Fire District 14 – Fire Station #92

7528 Kendall Road, Maple Falls WA  98266

Google map link:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/1E1rY3MSfYaiz7Fj9

Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) training enables ordinary citizens to safely act as first responders in the event of a disaster. In the basic training course we deliver 24 hours of instruction that are a combination of classroom study and hands-on exercises. The course concludes with a simulated disaster in which the students demonstrate their skills with live victims. The topics covered in the course include:

  • Session 1: Disaster Preparedness, CERT Organization
  • Session 2: Fire Safety, Fire Suppression, Utility Controls
  • Session 3: Disaster Medical Operations, Part 1 (Triage, Life Saving Interventions)
  • Session 4: Light Search & Rescue Operations
  • Session 5: Disaster Medical Operations, Part 2 (Public Health & Hygiene,
                      Head to Toe Assessment, Basic Treatments)
  • Session 6: Disaster Psychology, CERT & Terrorism
  • Session 7: Tabletop Exercise & Final Exam
  • Session 8: Final Exercise (Simulated Disaster Response)

To enroll in the course above, simply reply to this email. The basic training course usually fills up quickly (within 24-48 hours) and we limit enrollment to this course at 24. We suggest that you confirm your enrollment ASAP. The course fee is $80.00 for all 8 sessions and can be paid on the first class session by either cash or check. Course fee discounts are available for cases of financial hardship. We are unable to accept payment by credit or debit card.

Please provide a contact phone number (txt) in your response

To enroll CONTACT Whatcom CERT via dbestle@co.whatcom.wa.us

If you complete this CERT training and become certified or are already CERT certified, please reach out to the Office of Emergency Management & Business Continuity for additional training opportunities and/or to support Western's response during emergencies.