Ontario Thinks Business home
CERT Program
Health & Safety

CERT Program

The City of Ontario CERT training is FREE and open to anyone interested in learning about how they can be an effective responder in their family and their community. This training is provided by the Ontario Fire Department using the nationally recognized 20-hour curriculum approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Participants will learn to:

  • Identify and anticipate hazards in the community
  • Reduce fire hazards in the home and workplace
  • Extinguish small fires
  • Conduct light search and rescue
  • Setup medical treatment areas
  • Provide disaster first aid
  • Assist emergency responders
Two people dressed in Fire gear put out fire with a fire extinguisher

Those who complete the 20-hour Basic Academy are recognized as program graduates and receive a Certificate of Completion. Upon completion, you are also eligible to become an active Ontario CERT Volunteer whereby you will receive a FREE CERT emergency starter kit and additional training and exercises during our regularly scheduled monthly meetings. 

Disasters can happen at any time in Ontario. We experience earthquakes, fires and flooding. Are you and your family prepared?

Registration has now concluded for our April 2026 Academy. We anticipate our next academy will be held in the fall of 2026. Please join our interest list below to be notified of future course dates.