PURPOSE.
The purpose of the Arlington CERT is to save lives and reduce injuries in major disasters in Arlington, VA, when activated by Arlington County Emergency Management. Additionally, for less-than-major disaster situations, Arlington CERT trained persons, acting as Good Samaritans, can save lives and reduce injuries wherever they may be.
 
ELIGIBILITY*
Arlington CERT Basic Training is open to anyone 18 years of age or older who lives or works in Arlington VA. Students aged 14 – 17 can attend if accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other parent-selected adult with a signed release and assignment of responsibility.

CONTENT
Arlington CERT Basic Training covers basic disaster preparedness, fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, terrorism awareness, team organization, communications, disaster psychology, and more. Arlington CERT uses the 2019 version of the standard FEMA CERT curriculum, with modifications for local requirements.

COST
There is no cost for training. However, equipment & supplies necessary for training and subsequent use cost each person up to $75. If a person is unable to pay, equipment & supplies can be borrowed at no charge.

ONLINE ARLINGTON CERT BASIC TRAINING
Starting in May 2020, the Arlington CERT will offer online CERT Basic Training to cover much of the lecture portion. Subsequently sessions covering the hands-on portion of the training will be offered.

The basis of our online CERT Basic Training will be the course which FEMA has provided via the University of Utah which covers much of the lecture portion of CERT Basic Training. The update to this class is due to be online by the beginning of May and the URL will be sent to those whose training applications have been received at that time.

Prospective Arlington CERT Trainees are urged to take the online course. The Arlington CERT Basic Training Syllabus will also provide updated information based on the 2019 curriculum and on local procedures. We will schedule the hands-on portion of training as soon as practical.

To join a class or for more information: 
https://emergency.arlingtonva.us/get-involved/cert/

IN-PERSON ARLINGTON CERT BASIC TRAINING.
Due to COVID-19, Arlington CERT Basic Training will be conducted online until at least 10 September 2020, unless there is an opportunity to provide the hands-on portion of training before that in conjunction with online CERT Training.

Our normal in-person training, Classes 66 & 67, remain scheduled to start 10 and 15 September 2020. These run in parallel for 6 weeks, with 5 weekdays and 3 Saturdays of training. A total of 8 sessions, totaling about 30 hours of training.

* ELIGIBILITY IS ALSO AVAILABLE if you work with humanitarian, educational, governmental, or other organizations, and you may benefit from Arlington VA CERT Training, please seek more information: https://emergency.arlingtonva.us/get-involved/cert/.