Florida-Georgia Lutheran Early Response will provide Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) Basic Chainsaw training on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 2021 W. State Road 426, Oviedo, FL. Chainsaw training is offered to enhance the capabilities of LERT volunteers, enabling them to assist those who may lack the resources or skills to perform this hazardous work. The goal of this training is to ensure LERT members are properly prepared to serve safely and efficiently.
Training topics include: chainsaw safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), injury prevention, bucking and limbing fallen trees, and safe debris removal.
Prerequisite:
Participants must have previously completed the LERT Basic Training class.
When registering, choose one of two options:
1. Morning Session Only (4 hours): LERT Chainsaw Safety
· Classroom-based safety training only
· Does not include hands-on chainsaw operation
· Participants will learn how to work safely with and around chainsaw operations
· Open to all LERT-qualified volunteers, even if they do not plan to operate a chainsaw
2. Morning + Afternoon Sessions (8 hours total): LERT Chainsaw Safety and Operator
· Includes the morning classroom safety session and the afternoon hands-on training
· Required for anyone who wants hands-on chainsaw operation training
· Completion of both sessions is required to be authorized as an LCMS LERT Chainsaw Operator for disaster response.
Age Requirements:
- Anyone age 16 or older may attend.
- Participants ages 16–17 may not operate a chainsaw but may train and serve as draggers.
Safety Gear & Equipment (required for afternoon hands-on participants):
- Chainsaw safety PPE: helmet, eye protection, gloves, chaps, and steel-toed boots
- Steel-toed work boots are mandatory; tennis shoes, sandals, or flip-flops are not permitted
- Outdoor work clothing appropriate for the weather; shorts are prohibited
- Participants should bring their own chainsaw, bar oil, and fuel mix if available
- Some training chainsaws and PPE will be provided if needed
Training Costs:
- Morning safety classroom only: $15/individual, $25/couple; add $5/family member (3+)
- Morning + Afternoon (Chainsaw Safety and Operator): $50/individual, $85/couple, $100/family (3+)
- Payment may be made by cash or check at the training, or credit card at https://www.fgler.org.
- Shirt, snacks, lunch, and beverages provided.
Contact Info:
Should you have any questions, please contact Joel Mathews at (813) 215-8098 or at jmathews@fgler.org.
