Part of being prepared is staying informed, and you can stay informed by attending free preparedness trainings in your area. Trainings are available for people of all ages and skill levels. Click on the section headings below to see more information about each of the types of training offered by Ready Houston, your local jurisdiction, and other providers.
The concept of the CERT Program began in the mid-1980s when the Los Angeles Fire Department saw the need, in the event of a large-scale disaster, to train citizens on how to help others without putting themselves in harm's way. FEMA formalized the CERT program in 1993 and the CERT program is now available nationwide. The CERT curriculum is taught from an all-hazards approach and each community emphasizes the disasters, both natural and manmade, to which they are most vulnerable. Although preparedness steps may vary from community to community, the goal remains the same: "to do the most good for the most amount of people" in an emergency, such as in the event of a natural disaster.
CERT is a 24-hour training program, typically covered over eight three-hour sessions, and is geared towards adults. CERT programs may also be available for high school or college students on their campuses.
The following is a listing of local jurisdictions with CERT coordinators. Contact each jurisdiction for more information on CERT training in their area.
The Neighborhood Ready program is a 90-minute, community-led program designed to get people thinking about how to make a plan, build a kit, stay informed, and get to know their neighbors.
A trained speaker will come out to show a short movie, talk about preparedness, and help the members of your community work through a participant guide. After completing the course, participants should have a good start on their family emergency plan and how to work with their neighbors before, during, and after a disaster.
To request information on how to conduct a Neighborhood Ready session in your community, contact our office.
Do you know the signs of terrorism? Are you prepared to Make the Call? The Ready Houston program provides workplace training on how to prevent crime and acts of terrorism.
For more information on the program, or to schedule a class, visit the Make the Call and iWatchHouston website.
School Ready is a program designed to teach children about emergency preparedness. The program features lesson plans, worksheets, videos, and even a live performance from the Ready Heroes.
Teachers can download copies of teaching materials or order hard copies.
For more information, please visit the School Ready portion of this site.