In the event of a major emergency or disaster within Odessa, the reality may be that public safety resources could be overwhelmed and professional responders would be unable to immediately assist all individuals. That’s where a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program can be a tremendous benefit. A local CERT program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for hazards (fire, tornado, flood, power outage, etc.) so they can perform a large number of basic tasks which frees up first responders for more complex and/or technical operations.

The CERT Basic Training provides individuals who complete this course with the basic skills required to respond to their community's immediate needs in the aftermath of a disaster, when emergency services are not immediately available. By working together, CERT volunteers can help save lives and protect property using the basic techniques in this course. The target audience for this course is individuals who desire the skills and knowledge required to prepared for and respond to a disaster.

This course will be delivered in six sessions resulting in 24 hours of training. The first course is scheduled for September 29, 2026. Volunteers are needed in your neighborhood, so sign up for CERT classes today so that we can make our communities safer, stronger and better prepared!