Ensuring the safety of all individuals is of paramount importance to Cupertino. We recognize that each individual plays a crucial role in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. Our primary objective is to ensure that individuals can fulfill their roles safely and effectively. It is imperative that individuals are equipped with the necessary skills to take care of themselves, their families, and their neighborhoods in times of emergency. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course is designed to impart these skills and knowledge. Upon completion of the course, individuals will be requested to further familiarize themselves with Cupertino's emergency response coordination process. We look forward to your CERT graduation, where you can demonstrate how you would integrate with the City's emergency response. In preparedness for and response to emergencies, everyone has a role to play. 

For more information, contact the Citizen Corps Coordinator, at 408.777-3176 or CERT@Cupertino.org

CERT is a branch of Cupertino Citizen Corps, including Cupertino Amateur Radio in Emergency Services (CARES) and Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). All resident volunteers train and respond together.

2024 CERT TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

The Santa Clara County Fire Department offers CERT Academy Training. Skills taught during Academies include organizing resources, medical operations, basic search and rescue, how to use a fire extinguisher and damage assessment.

• Disaster Preparedness
• CERT Organization
• Disaster Medical Operations
• Disaster Psychology
• Fire Safety & Utility Controls
• Hands on Skill Training
• Light Search and Rescue
• Terrorism Awareness

Participants must attend and participate in all online or in-person classes and skills training sessions to receive a CERT course completion certificate.

CERT ACADEMIES FLYER

Click here for flyer and registration information: 2024 CERT Flyer FINAL 12.15.23

The Santa Clara County Fire Department offers the CERT Academy to train residents on disaster preparedness skills. In the event of a disaster or public safety emergency, CERT volunteers will be able to assist their family and neighbors when first responders are not immediately available to help.

Participants will learn disaster preparedness, disaster medical operations, disaster psychology, fire suppression, light search and rescue, and terrorism awareness.

• The CERT Academy is (6) nightly sessions and a (1) final skills exercise.
• Students must attend all seven (7) class meetings to receive a Certificate of Completion.  
• CERT classes dates are published for each academy
• Fee: $35 fee covers the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) you will receive in this course: hard hat, gloves, eye protection, and N95 mask.

CERT ACADEMIES

Winter Academy starts Jan 30th

Spring Academy starts April 16th

Summer Academy starts August 6th

Fall Academy starts October 15th

CERT Academies are designed to be a fun, interactive learning experience for adults of all ages. The final session is an exercise that applies all of your training.

For more information about the CERT Academies, contact the Santa Clara County Fire Department at 408.378.4010 or cert@sccfd.org.