By Ventura Breeze Staff –
Recognizing the critical need for community members to be prepared and confident in taking appropriate action, the City of Ventura, in collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the City of Santa Paula, is excited to announce the return of its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) trainingprogram in May 2025.
This free, hands-on program empowers 40 local residents with critical disaster response skills, preparing them to take action when it matters most. Applications are open to Ventura and Santa Paula residents and will be accepted through Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
In the aftermath of a major disaster, emergency responders may be stretched thin, making it essential for residents to be prepared to take action,” said MackDouglass, Ventura’s Emergency Services Manager. “The CERT program not only equips participants with lifesaving skills but also strengthens our community’s resilience. We’ve been incredibly encouraged by the enthusiasm and strong turnout for this program so far, and we appreciate our residents’ dedication to being prepared for any emergency.”
Participants will complete 24 hours of training covering essential topics such as fire safety, medical triage, light search and rescue, and more. Graduates will receive a certificate of completionand a CERT disaster start-up pack,including a helmet, gloves, vest, andsafety goggles, ensuring they are ready to assist in a crisis.
Classes begin May 21, 2025, and will be held for six consecutive Wednesday nights from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., with a final skills showcase on Saturday, June 28, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.Classroom training will take place at the Ventura Police Department Headquarters, with the final drill location to be announced at a later date.
A Spanish-language CERT course will also be offered in fall 2025 to expand accessibility and ensure more residents have the opportunity to gain emergency response skills. For more information or to apply, visit cityofventura.ca.gov/CERT.
