Building a Stronger, Safer Community: CERT Training Coming This November

District 7 Fire Rescue is proud to announce that we will be hosting a G-317 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course this November in conjunction with the Bexar County Office of Emergency Management. This nationally recognized program provides residents with the knowledge and skills needed to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies in their own communities.

In large-scale incidents—such as wildfires, severe storms, or other disasters—first responders may not be able to reach everyone immediately. CERT training is designed to bridge that gap by equipping community members with the ability to take safe, effective action until professional help arrives.

What is CERT?

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program was developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to empower everyday citizens through practical, hands-on training. The program focuses on personal preparedness, life-saving skills, and organized team response.

CERT members are not expected to replace professional responders. Instead, they serve as a force multiplier, helping to stabilize situations, reduce risks, and support their neighbors during critical moments.

What You Will Learn

The G-317 CERT course follows a structured curriculum that blends classroom instruction with hands-on training. Participants will learn:

• Disaster Preparedness

  Understanding local hazards and how to develop a family emergency plan

• Fire Safety and Utility Controls

  How to safely extinguish small fires and manage hazards like gas and electricity

• Disaster Medical Operations

Basic first aid, triage, and how to care for injured individuals until EMS arrives

• Light Search and Rescue

Techniques for safely locating and assisting victims in damaged environments

• Team Organization and Communication

How to operate effectively within a coordinated team during an incident

• Disaster Psychology

Recognizing and managing stress—for both survivors and responders

Why This Training Matters

Emergencies don’t wait—and neither should preparedness.

CERT training provides participants with the confidence and capability to:

• Protect themselves and their families

• Assist neighbors in a safe and organized manner

• Reduce panic and confusion during emergencies

• Support first responders by managing smaller, immediate needs

In a growing community like ours, having trained and prepared residents makes a measurable difference. When more people know what to do, the entire community becomes more resilient.

Who Should Attend?

This course is open to anyone in the community. No prior experience is required—just a willingness to learn and a desire to help others.

Whether you’re a parent, a business owner, or simply someone who wants to be better prepared, CERT training offers valuable, real-world skills that can make a difference when it matters most.

Looking Ahead

We are currently finalizing course dates and registration details for November. Additional information will be released soon through our website and social media channels.

If you’re interested in participating, now is the time to start thinking about joining.

Be prepared. Be capable. Be ready to help.

District 7 Fire Rescue, alongside the Bexar County Office of Emergency Management, looks forward to bringing this important training opportunity to our community and continuing to build a safer, stronger future together.

If you have any questions please reach out to Bexar County OEM for more information.

Register Here