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City of Fort Collins
 

Emergency Preparedness and Security

Emergency Preparedness and Security

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Get Involved#

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)#

Community Volunteer Response Team Logo

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program provides training to volunteers to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.

The program provides 20 hours of training in basic disaster response skills, including:

  • Fire safety
  • Light search and rescue
  • Emergency team organization
  • Disaster medical operations

CERT training offered by the City of Fort Collins is limited to residents of Fort Collins. Those living outside the city should reach out to their local Emergency Management program for information on their local CERT.

Upcoming CERT Trainings#

FAQs#

The CERT course consists of 20 hours of education, both in the classroom and hands-on. These sessions are taught by EPS staff, professional first responders, and other qualified volunteers!

Our CERT Classes cover the following topics:

  • Citizens Awareness Program - Students will cover how to identify signs of terrorism and criminal activity, while protecting the constitutional rights of all Americans.     
  • CERT Organization - Students will learn how CERT is structured and receive a basic lesson on the Incident Command System (ICS) that first responders use during incident response.                     
  • Disaster Preparedness - Students learn about the hazards facing Fort Collins. They also cover the steps that they and their families should take before, during, and after a disaster.       
  • Fire Safety - Students will cover how fire begins and how it grows. Students will also learn how to handle a fire extinguisher, the differences between fire extinguishers, and how to extinguish a small fire. Students will also gain basic knowledge about hazardous materials.
  • Light Search and Rescue - Students will cover sizing up a structure before entering, search and rescue techniques, and safety techniques when engaging in such efforts.
  • Medical Operations - Students learn how to diagnose and treat afflictions such as airway obstructions, bleeding, and shock through simple triage and treatment. Students will also learn how to conduct a head-to-toe assessment and perform basic first aid.
  • Psychology - Students will learn the signs and symptoms related to psychological distress that may be experienced either by those they are assisting, their fellow CERT members, or themselves.
  • Disaster Simulation - Students will put all of their lessons to the test and practice the skills they've learned in a simulated CERT activation.

The City of Fort Collins regularly offers CERT training.

NOTE: CERT training offered by the City of Fort Collins is limited to residents of Fort Collins. Those living outside the city should reach out to their local Emergency Management program for information on their local CERT.

View Upcoming Trainings

Interested in doing more? Join FCVRT!#

FCVRT logo and text that says Fort Collins Volunteer Response Team

The Fort Collins Volunteer Response Team (FCVRT) is a volunteer program operated by the City of Fort Collins Emergency Preparedness and Security office. Modeled after the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), FCVRT specializes in educating volunteers on disaster preparedness for hazards specific to Fort Collins.

Participants receive 20 hours of training covering essential disaster response skills, including fire safety, light search and rescue, emergency team organization, and disaster medical operations. By fostering community resilience, FCVRT plays a crucial role in enhancing local emergency preparedness and response efforts. 

Have questions email FCVRT@fcgov.com