When disaster strikes, will you be ready to act? The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program empowers you with the basic knowledge and skills to take action during an emergency.
In Renton, there are about 32 firefighters on duty serving a community of over 100,000 residents on any given day. If a disaster occurs, these professional first responders will be overwhelmed with requests for help. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) teaches you to how to provide emergency assistance safely and effectively until trained responders arrive.
Renton CERT classes are taught by local subject matter experts such as firefighters, police officers, emergency managers, and medical professionals. Participants learn to extinguish small fires, conduct light search and rescue, provide basic disaster first aid, respond to disasters, assist professional responders, support survivors, and prepare yourself and your community for emergencies.
Registration
CERT classes are free and open to the public. Advance registration is required. While Renton residency is not a requirement to participate, it is best to take CERT close to where you live.
Renton CERT is typically offered twice a year—in fall and spring. CERT runs for seven weeks, concluding with a final drill. Students must attend all classes and the drill to graduate.
Renton's Fall 2026 CERT course will be offered on Thursday evenings from October 1 through November 12, 2026, with a final drill on Saturday, November 14, 2026. Registration will open at the end of summer. Follow Renton Emergency Management on social media or check out the future Fall Let's Go Recreation Guide to find out when the registration link goes live.
Graduated from CERT?
If you are a Renton resident and have graduated from a CERT program in another city, please email EM@rentonwa.gov to get involved in Renton's CERT program.