Disaster Response Training and Certification
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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. |
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IN-PERSON Basic LERT Training
Be the hands and feet of mercy when disaster strikes!
Lutheran Church Charities will provide LCMS LERT Basic training:
Lutheran Church Charities will provide LCMS LERT Basic training:
July 11, 2026
Trinity Lutheran Church
250 S. Indiana Ave
Crown Point, IN 46307
Trinity Lutheran Church
250 S. Indiana Ave
Crown Point, IN 46307
In the chaos of disaster, it's important to stay focused on the task at hand. LCMS Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) training will help you focus on the most important thing to remember as you prepare for or to respond to a disaster in your community or beyond. At the center of our LERT volunteer training is one thing: MERCY! Christ's mercy is the basis for everything we say and do. This training event will equip you to be an effective volunteer should a disaster strike your community. After a brief introduction regarding the goals and theological rationale of LCMS Disaster Response, the LERT volunteer training will address the following:
LERT training is also now offered to youth, ages 14 – 17, so they can also assist in general disaster response safely and under the guidance of their own youth leadership. LCMS Disaster Response has developed new guidelines for youth participation. A parent must be present and sign form for participation.
If you know someone who would be a good addition to your LERT Team, encourage them to register and attend. The registration cost for new LERT volunteers will be $35.00. The registration fee can be paid at the event when you check-in by cash, check or credit card.
Registration: 8:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Training: 9:00 pm – 12:00 pm
- Christian Care In Times of Disaster
- A Ministry of Presence
- The LERT Program and How It Works with Other Responders
- Introduction to Disaster Response
- Disaster Response & Deployment Protocol
- Service Opportunities after a Disaster & Safety Protocol
LERT training is also now offered to youth, ages 14 – 17, so they can also assist in general disaster response safely and under the guidance of their own youth leadership. LCMS Disaster Response has developed new guidelines for youth participation. A parent must be present and sign form for participation.
If you know someone who would be a good addition to your LERT Team, encourage them to register and attend. The registration cost for new LERT volunteers will be $35.00. The registration fee can be paid at the event when you check-in by cash, check or credit card.
Registration: 8:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Training: 9:00 pm – 12:00 pm
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.
When you complete your registration and receive your confirmation number, you will also be requested to fill out an online Liability & Medical Form for 2026. This form only needs to be completed once a year for adults.
Drinks and snacks will also be provided.
Walk in registrations will be accepted the day of the training, but prefer advance registration if possible to assist host church and LCC staff in planning.
Any questions, contact Kathy O’Day, LCC Dir. of Disaster Response at 847-287-1801.
When you complete your registration and receive your confirmation number, you will also be requested to fill out an online Liability & Medical Form for 2026. This form only needs to be completed once a year for adults.
Drinks and snacks will also be provided.
Walk in registrations will be accepted the day of the training, but prefer advance registration if possible to assist host church and LCC staff in planning.
Any questions, contact Kathy O’Day, LCC Dir. 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.