Environmental health Training in Emergency Response (EHTER)

What is EHTER?

Environmental Health Training in Emergency Response (EHTER) is a course that addresses the environmental health impacts of emergencies and disasters, including unsafe food, water, air, and housing; accumulation of waste; and lack of sanitation. EHTER explores why residential, recreational and regulated facilities need protection when disaster strikes. EHTER cross-trains the environmental health professionals that protect these essential elements for life during emergencies.

The course is designed by the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and taught at the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP). Visit the CDP website to apply for courses and view the current course schedule. The CDP EHTER curriculum includes two modules:

EHTER Awareness - online  training

EHTER Ops – in person field exercises

California EHTER

The CDPH Environmental Health Support Section offers California-specific EHTER courses. These supplement the Federal EHTER courses and are tailored to the host agency’s local environmental health jurisdiction.

Course Schedule

Location	Date	Host	Course Type	Contact	Prerequisites	Additional Information
Rancho Cucamonga	2/25-26/25	San Bernardino County	EHTER Awareness	California EHTER Team CEH.EP@cdph.ca.gov	IS-100; IS-200; IS-700; IS-800; SEMS G606	16 REHS contact hours.
Rancho Cucamonga	2/27-28/25	San Bernardino County	EHTER Awareness	California EHTER Team CEH.EP@cdph.ca.gov	IS-100; IS-200; IS-700; IS-800; SEMS G606	16 REHS contact hours.
Anaheim	3/27/25	CUPA	EHTER 101	CUPA	None	4 REHS contact hours.
Seaside	4/14/25	CEHA	EHTER 101	CEHA	None	8 REHS contact hours.
Orange County	5/7-8/25	Orange County	EHTER Expeditionary (X)	California EHTER Team CEH.EP@cdph.ca.gov	EHTER Awareness IS-100 IS-200 IS-700 IS-800 SEMS G606	16 REHS contact hours.

Course Descriptions

EHTER X (Expeditionary)

2-day, 16 REHS contact hours. Field Exercise that trains participants to: Identify problems, hazards, and risks; Plan for team response; Select appropriate equipment and instrumentation; Perform required tasks using environmental health response protocols; Report and participate in follow-up activities as instructed. Includes hands-on exercises and response to simulated events. Prerequisites (free and/or online):

FEMA: Introduction to the Incident Command System (IS-100);
FEMA: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response (IS-200);
FEMA: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) (IS-700);
FEMA: National Response Framework, An Introduction (IS-800);
SEMS: Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) Introductory Course (G606);
EHTER Awareness Workshop or EHTER 101 and FEMA's 8-hour EHTER Awareness online training.

EHTER Awareness Workshop

2-day, 16 REHS contact hours. Workshop that builds upon concepts discussed in the CDP EHTER Awareness online course. Includes table-top exercises and case studies. Content can be tailored to meet specific needs of the host environmental health jurisdiction. The course addresses the role of environmental health responders in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies and disasters. It covers issues and challenges in the following areas: Emergency management; Drinking water safety; Food safety; Wastewater; Responder health and safety; Vector control; Solid waste/Debris management; Mass care/sheltering; Hazardous materials. Prerequisites (free and online):

FEMA: Introduction to the Incident Command System (IS-100);
Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response (IS-200);
An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) (IS-700);
National Response Framework, An Introduction (IS-800).
SEMS: Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) Introductory Course (G606)

EHTER 101

1- 8 REHS contact hours. Comprehensive conference session. The course subject matter and structure is tailored to the specific conference audience and will include classroom discussion and may include a table-top exercise. The course addresses the role of environmental health responders in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies and disasters. It covers issues and challenges in the following areas: Emergency management; Drinking water safety; Food safety; Wastewater; Responder health and safety; Vector control; Solid waste/Debris management; Mass care/sheltering; Hazardous materials. Prerequisites: None.

EHTER Principles

1-4 hours. Brief course for emergency preparedness and response personnel. Supports readiness of responders to address environmental health concerns during emergencies. Discusses EHTER principles as they relate to the SEMS framework and Emergency Support Function-8. Course can be tailored to audience. Open to all.

Training Resources

Program Contact :

Hoa Tan, REHS

Emergency Preparedness Program Manager
CDPH Environmental Health Support Section
(530) 760-5863
For general questions, please email CEH.EP@cdph.ca.gov
Emergency Contact Line: (279) 732-2555

Page Last Updated : January 22, 2025