Community Emergency Response Team
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program trains community members in basic disaster response skills such as small fire suppression, light search-and-rescue, and disaster medical operations. Using training from both the classroom and exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. Completing either the Spring or Fall CERT curriculum certifies you to be a supplemental responder during major emergencies.
The Palo Alto Office of Emergency Services would like to congratulate Palo Alto's newest CERT graduates! They are now prepared to assist their neighbors when the next disaster strikes.
Upcoming CERT Courses
Spring 2025
- CERT Basic Training will begin Monday, March 10, 2024 and will meet in person on March 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
- Field Day is Saturday, March 29, noon - 4 p.m.
Register now for a Palo Alto CERT course.
Fall 2025
- CERT Basic Training will begin Tuesday, September 10, 2024 and will meet in person on September 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
- Field Day is Saturday, September 27, noon - 4 p.m
Register now for a Palo Alto CERT course.
Important Note: We will also ask you to complete three online modules on your own time (each module should require about an hour to complete), before the first class. Instructions are posted here(PDF, 125KB).(PDF, 125KB)
You can also view CERT course offerings from our local public safety partners: Mountain View OES, Sunnyvale OES, and Santa Clara Fire Department.
CERT Online Resources