Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates individuals about disaster preparedness for hazards that may effect their neighborhoods. Earthquakes and wildfires are the disasters that most readily come to mind for Santa Cruz County, but they are not the only ones.

If there is a disaster, professional responders (fire, police) may not be immediately available to help. CERT trains people in basic emergency response skills, such as fire safety, light building search and rescue, team organization, and disaster emergency medical operations. Using this training, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace until professional help arrives.

There are active CERT Teams throughout Santa Cruz County. We encourage you to join a Team by completing a CERT basic training class. The website “santacruzcountycert.org” allows one to find out when a class is available and to sign–up for a CERT Basic Class. The site also contains other useful information regarding helping you, your family, and neighbors prepare for possible disasters.