CERT Team Training Meetings
Starting in 2026, we’re changing the format of our monthly meetings and introducing two tracks: Intermediate and Advanced.

The Intermediate track will focus on foundational concepts and hands-on guidance for Points of Distribution, Assembly Areas, and Emergency Sheltering. The Advanced track will cover the same topics, but at a faster pace and with more in-depth discussion.

Both tracks will follow a three-month cycle for each topic, consisting of a Workshop, a Tabletop Exercise, and a Drill. Emergency Management Operations (EMO) topics will be woven into the schedule throughout the year. In the Intermediate track, this may include radio communication basics and call center training. In the Advanced track, it may include tools and systems used in the CRESA Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

Volunteers are welcome to attend either track, but it’s important to choose the one that best matches your experience and comfort level. The Intermediate meetings will move at a steady pace and won’t speed up if the material feels familiar, while the Advanced meetings will assume prior knowledge and won’t pause to review basic concepts.

6:30 to 8:30 pm for both Intermediate & Advanced meetings
Location: CRESA EOC  710 W. 13th St., Vancouver 98660

Intermediate Training Meeting -- the third Tuesday of the month  (January meeting will be 1/6)

Advanced Training Meeting -- the second Tuesday of the month

Thank you to all who participated in our December dinner. Happy Holidays!

2025-2026 Requirements for ACTIVE Volunteer Status

Is Your Emergency Worker Card Expiring Soon? A month prior to your expiration date, you will receive an automatic email with instructions for renewal. Cards are renewed only during the month they expire, so if you let Jodi know early she will make note and follow up at the appropriate time.

Remember, to maintain your status as an Active volunteer, you must attend 8 out of 12 monthly skills refresher meetings and participate in one volunteer activity, i.e. a public education event, staffing the call center, stuffing backpacks for CERT classes, etc.  I realize that life can interfere, so if you are interested in being involved but not able to make all of the meetings, please talk to me. Your level of interest in our activities and participation in those events you can attend is a key factor. 

The Emergency Worker numbers for those volunteers who do not maintain Active status will be de-activated and they will be removed from the CRESA database. You are always welcome to attend meetings and training sessions, but will not be eligible for activation. You may return to Active status at any time. 

Once you complete the Basic Training class, you will always be a CERT volunteer. But in order for CRESA to know how many volunteers may be available to respond to a call-out and what skills they may bring to a situation, these requirements have been established.