East County CERT - Disaster Preparedness Classes

Serving the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, and Santee.

Free Classes

Are you prepared for a disaster? An earthquake or firestorm? Consider attending a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) academy. Free disaster training taught by members of Heartland Fire and Rescue and Santee Fire Department.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness and the hazards that may impact the area they live. These free CERT lessons will train you in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training taught in the classroom and during drill exercises, CERT members will be better prepared to also assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following a disaster or other unexpected event when professional responders are not immediately available.

Please visit our Academy Schedule page for information.
Please note: We are no longer accepting applications for our 2022 training academy. 

Apply to the Academy

Applying to the East County CERT Basic Training Academy is a simple, three-step process:

1. Complete and submit the online application (Submitting an application does not guarantee a place in the academy)
2. Attend an in-person interview (Once the application is completed you will be contacted for your interview)
3. Agree to a criminal background check (No charge to applicant, Fees paid by East County CERT)

Volunteer Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Attend a minimum of three bimonthly team meetings per year
• Volunteer for three public events per calendar year or actively participate on one of our subcommittees
• Completion of FEMA IS 100 & IS 200 on-line classes
• Attend the following supplemental training classes:
  • Shelter Operations
  • Shelter Hands On Training
  • Stop the Bleed