Community Emergency Response Team Training (CERT)

The CERT program is a 20-hour commitment. It educates volunteers about disaster preparedness
for the hazards most likely to occur here in San José and promotes basic disaster-response
skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical
operations.

CERT volunteers are trained to respond safely, responsibly, and effectively to emergency
situations and can also support their communities during non-emergency events. CERT follows
a consistent nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional
responders can rely upon during disasters.

The CERT Basic Course is delivered by San José first responders and other qualified
instructors. Training includes:

• Disaster Preparedness:
  Addresses hazards specific to the community. Participants learn actions they and their
  families can take before, during, and after a disaster, along with an overview of CERT
  and local laws governing volunteers.
• Small Fire Suppression:
  Covers fire chemistry, hazardous materials, fire hazards, fire-suppression strategies,
  safe use of fire extinguishers, controlling utilities, and extinguishing a small fire.
• Medical Operations Part I:
  Participants practice recognizing and treating airway obstruction, bleeding, and shock
  using basic triage and rapid-treatment techniques.
• Medical Operations Part II:
  Covers patient evaluation, head-to-toe assessment, establishing a medical treatment area,
  and performing basic first aid.
• Light Search and Rescue Operations:
  Participants learn search-and-rescue planning, size-up, search techniques, rescue
  techniques, and rescuer safety.
• Psychology and Team Organization:
  Covers signs and symptoms that may be experienced by disaster victims and responders,
  as well as CERT organization and management.
• Course Review and Disaster Simulation:
  Participants review and practice the skills learned during the course in a simulated
  disaster activity.

CERT Training in San José

CERT Training is free to people who live or work in San José. For current training dates,
enrollment information, and program updates, use the official City of San José CERT website.

San José CERT Training Information

For questions about CERT training, contact the San José Office of Emergency Management:

Email:
SJCERT@sanjoseca.gov

Phone:
408-537-9167

Get Started Online

While waiting for a local CERT course, you can get started with FEMA’s free,
self-paced introductory CERT course:

IS-317: Introduction to Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)