CERT

Community Emergency Response Team

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area, and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. The CERT Program is a dynamic community of volunteers who want to help their neighbors!

If you're interested in CERT classes, please follow San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department's Eventbrite Page. By following the page, you'll receive an update when we post trainings, classes, or events. 

We hold CERT Academies twice a year: Spring and Fall. Our Spring 2026 CERT Academy is already full, but follow SMC Fire's page on Eventbrite to be alerted when the Fall 2026 CERT Academy is open for registration.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to prepare@smcfire.org.

 

CERT Class Info & Content Overview

CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens will be initially on their own and their actions can…

Are you prepared for a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)?

From time to time, during high winds and dry conditions (yes, even far away from us), PG&E may determine the need to shut-off power to prevent a potential spark and fire.  These power shutoffs can affect us along the Peninsula.  Are you prepared to be without electricity for several days?  Do you have back up power for your devices?  Do you have a back-up battery for your medical devices?   Do you have an arrangement with a friend or family member who lives a few miles away to re-charge your devices during the day when your power is out (and vice versa)?  For information on preparing for power outages or a PSPS, check out:

Prepare for a PSPS