Disaster Response Training and Certification
To better manage volunteers and resources, FEMA has developed a guideline on credentialing volunteers for large-scale disasters. The federal guidelines indicate that volunteers responding to a disaster should be trained and certified.
LCC is providing LCMS disaster response training for Lutheran Early Response Teams (L.E.R.T.). Should a disaster strike, these teams would be put on call and may be asked to deploy in 72 hours or less to the disaster site. This training will prepare a team member for credentialing and will focus on the safety, work, and ministry of Lutherans as Early Responders. The registration cost for new L.E.R.T. volunteers is $35.00. As a refresher to update your ID, the cost is only $15.00. |
Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response will provide the following LCMS L.E.R.T. (Lutheran Early Response Team) Basic trainings:
Date: Saturday, February 25
Location: Immanuel Lutheran Church 200 N Plum Grove Rd. Palatine, IL 60067 |
Date: Saturday, April 22
Location: Lord of Life Lutheran Church 40W605 IL-38 Elburn, IL 60119 |
Registration: 8:30 am – 9:00 am
Training: 9:00 am - 12:30 pm |
Registration: 8:30 am – 9:00 am
Training: 9:00 am - 12:30 pm |
YOU WILL BE DIRECTED AFTER YOUR SUBMISSION TO SELECT THE LINK TO THE LCMS LERT REGISTRATION. YOU MUST COMPLETE BOTH REGISTRATIONS!
On this LCMS form you will select your t-shirt size the LCMS will send for you and allows LCC to get the necessary amount of training material.
Walk in registrations will be accepted the day of the training, but prefer advance registration to assist hosts in planning this event.
Coffee and snacks will be provided.
Face masks are optional. We do ask that if you are sick or have been exposed to someone with COVID, to not attend.
Any questions, contact Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response at 847-287-1801.
On this LCMS form you will select your t-shirt size the LCMS will send for you and allows LCC to get the necessary amount of training material.
Walk in registrations will be accepted the day of the training, but prefer advance registration to assist hosts in planning this event.
Coffee and snacks will be provided.
Face masks are optional. We do ask that if you are sick or have been exposed to someone with COVID, to not attend.
Any questions, contact Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response at 847-287-1801.
ONLINE Basic L.E.R.T. Training

The online LCMS Basic L.E.R.T. Training is geared towards responding to a disaster with Lutheran Church Charities in the Northern Illinois District or wherever we are invited to serve nationwide. We encourage anyone wanting to be L.E.R.T. certified to attend a training in their own district whenever possible. This Online Basic L.E.R.T. Training is being offered as an alternative means due to COVID restrictions.
**Before beginning the registration process, be sure to take a headshot photo to upload for a badge.
**Before beginning the registration process, be sure to take a headshot photo to upload for a badge.
For the online training, you will need to pay the registration fee with a credit or debit card only.
You will then receive another letter with instructions to access the portal to view the Basic L.E.R.T. training sessions.
Please note: After completing your registration, please allow up to 48 hours after your payment is processed to have your enrollment enabled in the DR Portal.
Upon verification of watching and completing all Basic L.E.R.T. training sessions and quizzes, LCC will then send your DR manual, badge, certificate and vest.
You will then receive another letter with instructions to access the portal to view the Basic L.E.R.T. training sessions.
Please note: After completing your registration, please allow up to 48 hours after your payment is processed to have your enrollment enabled in the DR Portal.
Upon verification of watching and completing all Basic L.E.R.T. training sessions and quizzes, LCC will then send your DR manual, badge, certificate and vest.