More than 1,000 Lamorinda residents have already completed the program, according to the Moraga Orinda Firewise Network.
Starting Tuesday, September 15, the next group can join them.
Lamorinda CERT's Fall 2026 training series is accepting registrations for a nine-week course at the Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Mary's Rd., Lafayette. The program trains everyday residents to assist their neighborhoods during wildfires, earthquakes and other emergencies.
The series includes eight evening classes and a four-hour skills exercise, according to the Lamorinda Life newsletter, which announced the registration opening on July 22. Instructors have completed an intensive FEMA-based training course, according to the Moraga Orinda Firewise Network, which is affiliated with the Moraga Orinda Fire District.
Who can sign up
The course is open to anyone who lives or works in Lafayette, Moraga or Orinda, as well as Walnut Creek residents. The registration fee is $40. Teenagers ages 14–17 may participate alongside a parent, guardian or Scout leader.
Participants are expected to attend all nine sessions and remain available to help their community during a disaster after completing the course.
What's covered
The FEMA-based curriculum includes:
- Home and disaster preparedness
- Fire safety
- Medical operations and disaster medicine
- Light search and rescue techniques
- Radio communications
- CERT organizational skills
- Disaster psychology
- Terrorism awareness
- Pet preparedness and response
- Hands-on skills exercise (four hours)
Registration is available at lamorindacert.org/training/classes/.
