Questions? Please contact:
Jodi Blackwood
Program Manager
Embedded Files
September Training Meetings
Intermediate Training Meeting
Tues Oct. 20, 2026 6:30 to 8:30 pm at CRESA
Training: Points of Distribution (PODS)
This introductory training will provide volunteers with a basic understanding of Points of Distribution (PODs) and how they are used to provide essential supplies, such as food and water, to the community following a disaster. We'll discuss how PODs are organized, the different volunteer roles, and what to expect when helping with POD operations.
Advanced Training Meeting
Tues, Oct. 13, 2026 6:30 to 8:30 pm at CRESA
Workshop: Real-World Disasters, Local Lessons
As the Advance Team of volunteers, you play an important role in supporting CRESA's emergency response efforts. This activity is designed to encourage critical thinking, learn from real-world disasters, and identify ways we can strengthen our capabilities here in Clark County.
Using the suggested search terms below, research news stories, articles, or after-action reports related to the 2026 Spokane fires and California wildfires.
Suggested Internet Search Terms:
"Spokane 2026 wildfires evacuation challenges lessons learned"
"Spokane 2026 wildfires volunteers emergency shelters distribution"
"California Palisades Eaton fires 2025 emergency response challenges"
"California wildfires 2025 donations management volunteer challenges"
"Spokane California wildfires after action reports lessons learned"
As you research, consider the following:
What are we already doing well in Clark County?
What could we improve upon?
What potential challenges might we encounter during a similar disaster?
Come prepared to share at least one story or example, what you learned from it, and how those lessons might apply to our local emergency response efforts.
The goal is to learn from the experiences of other communities, recognize our strengths, and identify opportunities to improve our preparedness and response.
CRESA 710 W. 13th St., Vancouver, WA
West on Mill Plain Blvd. from I-5
Left onto Franklin St.
Right onto 13th St.
Turn right into the first driveway, a Jury Overflow Lot. CRESA is the beige building to the left.
Parking is available upfront, opposite the building entrance; additional parking is also available straight back and to the left, in the large parking lot. Park in any non-reserved space.
Do not ring the buzzer at the front entrance;
please use the side door.
Instructions on how to enable Emergency Bypass on your cell phone for certain contacts are available on the Deployment Notification page.
Thank YOU!
As we wind down our season of fire station open houses, employee benefit fairs, and community outreach activities, I would like to thank all those who offered their time, energy, and expertise with these events. Many hours were donated and hundreds of people were impacted through your efforts, and we couldn't have done it without you!
Training information is available here, including information on
CRESA EOC Operations
Info on Community Outreach materials and responsibilities
Emergency Shelters
Evacuation Assembly Areas
PODS
Traffic Control
We talk to a lot of people who have prepared their households to some degree, putting aside food, water, and assorted supplies. But when asked if they are prepared to evacuate their home, we see too many blank looks. Preparedness means being ready for anything.
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.
If you would like to have branded CERT clothing, the CERT Clark County, WA logo is on file at Envision It... Embroider It! You may take the clothing item of your choice, including hats, into the store directly and order the embroidery -- just ask for the CERT logo. The cost is $7.50+ tax per item.
Preferred colors for clothing items are black, white, khaki/tan, gray, green.
We have a public facing website! www.CERTClarkCountyWA.com.
Please share it on your own social media pages.
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