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.

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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.

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Register Here - Online Basic L.E.R.T. Training

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.