Community Emergency Response Team Training

Getting you ready in case of an emergency

Following a major disaster, first responders may not be able to meet the demand for fire and medical services.

Overland Park’s emergency management division provides Community Emergency Response Team training to give neighbors the ability to help one another and meet immediate lifesaving and life-sustaining needs.

Training

CERT training is usually delivered two-and-a-half hour sessions, one evening per week over a seven-week period.

Students will learn:

• Disaster preparedness;
• Disaster fire suppression;
• Disaster medical operations;
• Light search and rescue operations;
• Disaster psychology, special needs, and team organization.

Classroom instruction is followed by practical exercises and evaluation. Participants will take a written test and practice their skills in a disaster simulation.

Enrollment

The CERT program is offered several times per year and often has a waiting list.

Contact Dennis Smeltzer at 913-895-8301 to enroll.