The Community Emergency Response Team Program (CERT) educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact the area and trains them in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

Using classroom and simulation-based education, CERT members can assist others in the neighborhood or workplace immediately following an event when emergency responders may not be immediately available to help. Citizens who are prepared in advance can work as a team when disaster strikes and provide essential services to their neighborhood and/or workplace.

Taking CERT training is easy and fun and is accomplished in about 21 hours, culminating with a final disaster simulation exercise applying the skills you've learned. Training is broken up into 8 modules: emergency preparedness, CERT organization, disaster psychology, fire safety, light search and rescue, emergency medical operations, terrorism, and disaster simulation exercise.

The next West Valley CERT training (for residents of Cupertino, Campbell, Saratoga, Los Gatos, and Monte Sereno) will be offered at Campbell Community Center in the Orchard City Banquet Hall. Classes will be held 6pm-9pm on 1/10, 1/12, 1/7, 1/19, 1/24, 1/26, and 9:30am-12:30pm on 1/28. For more information and to register, please e-mail the Santa Clara County Fire Department at info@sccfd.org or phone 408-378-4010.