CERT & Disaster Preparedness

CERT Training



The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program was established after the September 11 terrorist attacks and is designed to encourage citizens and communities to be diligent in their awareness of emergency preparedness.  CERT training is a program designed to give ordinary citizens the knowledge and basic equipment needed to care for themselves, their families and their community following a disaster or terrorist act.

Following a major disaster, first responders, such as police, fire fighters, paramedics and even public utility providers, may not be able to meet the demands for public service.  Individual neighbors may have to rely on each other for immediate life-saving and life-sustaining needs.

The Creve Coeur Police Department is a proud member of the Meramec Valley Citizen Corps Council which partners with several police and fire agencies to provide CERT training throughout the St. Louis area. 

The program has eight topics covering:

  • Basic disaster preparedness
  • Basic first aid and medical training
  • Fire suppression
  • Search and rescue
  • Weapons of mass destruction
  • Terrorism awareness
  • Instruction on team organization and disaster psychology

The training concludes with a live disaster simulation were students are given the opportunity to put their skill to work.

Registration and Class Information

As of August 2017, the Meramec Valley Citizen Corps Council has partnered with the St. Louis Community College to offer FREE CERT training for area residents. To find upcoming classes please contact the St Louis Community College Continuing Education department at 314-984-7777. The class number has been EMSS:715 in the past.

Spring 2023 class information 

  1. St Louis Regional-STLCC CERT Agenda Class Schedule Spring 2023[1]