Conference Agenda & Classes

Incident Documentation NQS Course 1

This course gives an overview of incident specific documentation while CERT members demonstrate their ability to complete incident administrative tasks.

National Qualification System -CERT Volunteer Position Task Book

This training will allow CERT Volunteers to complete their CERT Volunteer Task Books.  Participants will have an opportunity to demonstrate all the skills and abilities found in the FEMA CERT Resource Typing Task Book for Volunteers.

Operational Communication NQS Course 2

Learn techniques to share relevant information to accomplish objectives in a potentially rapidly changing environment.

Safety, Risk Management, and The CERT Volunteer – Why It’s Important

This presentation explores the essential role of safety and risk management in Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) operations. Volunteers are often among the first to respond in a disaster, making their preparedness and awareness of potential hazards crucial. Attendees will learn about key safety protocols, risk assessment strategies, and the importance of personal protection while assisting in emergency situations. The session will also highlight best practices for mitigating risks, ensuring effective teamwork, and maintaining situational awareness. By understanding these principles, CERT volunteers can enhance their ability to serve their communities safely and effectively.

Building Agency Relationships

The relationship you have with your served agency is one of the most important aspects of your entire program.  This course is for CERT Program Managers who may be struggling with building that relationship or those looking for ideas on how they can continue to build on an existing relationship.

Keeping CERT Active during blue sky days

Discussion of various events and activities done in Polk County by CERTs to maintain volunteer hours throughout the year. 

Recruiting and Retention 101

A slide show presentation of one hour or less outlining key strategies and tips to find, recruit and then retain members within your organization.

Salvation Army Logistics Course

This course covers the fundamentals of logistics in disaster response, focusing on supply chain management, distribution, and coordination within The Salvation Army’s emergency services framework.

Team Rubicon

An overview of Team Rubicon’s mission and operations, highlighting how military veterans and first responders are mobilized for disaster response, recovery, and community resilience efforts.

Go Crisis

A presentation on crisis management and response strategies, emphasizing rapid deployment, coordination, and communication during emergencies.

Grant Writing

A practical session on writing successful grant applications, covering research, proposal development, budgeting, and best practices for securing funding for disaster response and preparedness programs.

CERT Hybrid TtT

A training session designed to equip instructors with the skills to teach Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) courses effectively, combining in-person and online learning techniques.

Animal Response

A specialized course on managing animal-related emergencies, including pet sheltering, livestock evacuation, and integrating animal care into disaster response efforts.

CERT PIO/Marketing

A workshop on public information and outreach strategies for CERT programs, including social media engagement, media relations, and community awareness campaigns.

Donation and Warehouse Management 

A presentation on organizing, receiving, and distributing donations during disasters, ensuring efficient warehouse operations and preventing donation-related challenges.

CERT Advanced Psychology for Disaster Field Teams

A deeper look into psychological resilience and mental health support for CERT members, covering stress management, trauma response, and emotional well-being in disaster settings.

JEEP CERT

Training on evacuation planning and execution for CERT teams, with a focus on coordinating emergency transportation and assisting vulnerable populations.

Damage Assessment

This session focuses on the process of evaluating disaster impacts on infrastructure, homes, and communities. It covers the different types of damage assessments, including initial rapid assessments and detailed structural evaluations. Participants will learn how to collect and report data accurately to support emergency response, recovery efforts, and resource allocation. The session may also include training on FEMA damage categories, assessment tools, and best practices for conducting assessments safely and efficiently in disaster-affected areas.