Learn skills to help Berkeley get through disasters

Take emergency preparedness classes with fellow Berkeleyans to learn practical skills you can use in your neighborhood before, during and after disasters.

These classes include skills such as: 

• Extinguishing fires
• Finding and rescuing victims using basic tools 
• Performing basic first aid 
• Helping survivors cope with extreme stress

Take any one of these classes at the Berkeley Fire Department training center in West Berkeley.

You can also take all seven classes to increase your own resiliency, that of your neighborhood and of Berkeley as a whole. 

Each class will be offered twice in person from Jan. 8 to April 18, with evening and weekend sessions available in most cases.

 Classes are prioritized for first-timers

After a major disaster, first responders may be called to handle more urgent priorities away from your neighborhood. Community Emergency Response Team training (CERT) teaches you how to take care of yourself, your family and your community until first responders arrive. 

Sign up to attend CERT classes in person at the Fire Department Division of Training, 997 Cedar St.  

Some classes build on previous topics and require prerequisites from the series, so it is recommended to take the courses in order. Take each class once, either on a Thursday evening or Saturday morning. (The only exception is the final session.)

Class openings are prioritized for first-time students. If you have signed up and cannot attend a class, cancel your Eventbrite reservation as soon as possible to open a spot on the waitlist.

Unit 1: Disaster Preparedness

Learn about Berkeley’s disaster risks and get the key steps, guidance and planning support you need to prepare yourself, your family and your community.

• Thursday, Jan. 8 (6-9 p.m.) — WAITLIST
• Saturday, Jan. 10 (9 a.m. to noon) — WAITLIST

Unit 2: Disaster Medical Operations I

Provide basic first aid for common injuries, and use simple, potentially life-saving interventions after a disaster.

• Thursday, Jan. 15 (6-9 p.m.) — WAITLIST
• Saturday, Jan. 17 (9 a.m. to noon) — WAITLIST

Unit 3: Disaster Medical Operations II (Prerequisite: Unit 2) 

Build on your first-aid skills for treating a wide range of wounds and conditions.

• Thursday, Jan. 29 (6-9 p.m.) — WAITLIST
• Saturday, Jan. 31 (9 a.m. to noon) — WAITLIST

Unit 4: Fire Safety and Utilities 

Learn successful fire prevention strategies that can help your community in a disaster.

• Thursday, Feb. 19 (6-9 p.m.) — AVAILABLE
• Saturday, Feb. 21 (9 a.m. to noon) — AVAILABLE

Unit 5: Disaster Mental Health 

Learn how to help your community build emotional resilience for emergencies.

• Thursday, March 5 (6-9 p.m.) — AVAILABLE
• Saturday, March 7 (9 a.m. to noon) — AVAILABLE

Unit 6: CERT Organization

Organize effective response teams and gather critical disaster information safely during an emergency.

• Thursday, March 26 (6-9 p.m.) — AVAILABLE
• Saturday, March 28 (9 a.m. to noon) — AVAILABLE

Unit 7: Light Search and Rescue (Prerequisites: Units 2 and 3) 

Assist your community in finding disaster survivors safely.

• Saturday, April 11 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) — AVAILABLE, but prerequisites required
• Saturday, April 18 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) — AVAILABLE, but prerequisites required

Create community connections 

By signing up for classes, you’ll also connect with a community of others dedicated to disaster preparedness. You’ll connect with the Berkeley Fire Department, other city staff, CERT instructors and trainees and passionate neighbors. 

Through your community connections and guidance from neighborhood CERT leaders, you will learn how to organize and support your friends, family and neighbors in times of need. 

In CERT classes, you will:

• Learn from experts and people with lived experience
• Collaborate with other Berkeley residents and neighbors
• Practice and feel confident in your ability to help others

Sign up for CERT classes to build emergency networks with others, know what to do during disasters and stay connected.