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 (LERT). 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 (LERT) volunteers is $35.00. As a refresher to update your ID, the cost is only $15.00. |
LCMS LERT (Lutheran Early Response Team) Basic Trainings
Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response will provide the following LCMS LERT (Lutheran Early Response Team) Basic trainings:
Date: Saturday, January 13, 2024
Fellowship of Faith Lutheran Church 6120 Mason Hill Rd. McHenry, IL 60050 Registration: 8:30 am – 9:00 am Training: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm |
Date: Saturday, February 3, 2024
Christ the Rock Lutheran Church 8330 Newburg Rd Rockford, IL 61108 Registration: 8:30 am – 9:00 am Training: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm |
AFTER YOUR SUBMISSION, YOU WILL BE DIRECTED TO SELECT THE LINK TO THE LCMS-DR LERT REGISTRATION. YOU MUST COMPLETE BOTH REGISTRATIONS!
On this LCMS form, you will select your t-shirt size the LCMS will send you and allows LCC to receive the necessary amount of training material.
Walk-in registrations will be accepted the day of the training, but we appreciate advance registration to assist hosts in planning this event.
Drinks and snacks will be provided.
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 you and allows LCC to receive the necessary amount of training material.
Walk-in registrations will be accepted the day of the training, but we appreciate advance registration to assist hosts in planning this event.
Drinks and snacks will be provided.
Any questions, contact Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response at 847-287-1801.
ONLINE Basic LERT Training

The online LCMS Basic LERT 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 LERT certified to attend a training in their own district whenever possible. This Online Basic LERT 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 LERT 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 LERT 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 LERT 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 LERT training sessions and quizzes, LCC will then send your DR manual, badge, certificate and vest.