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Partnership for a safer community
What is CERT?
The Community Emergency Response Team is a group of Los Altos and Los Altos Hills volunteers that will give critical support to first responders in major emergencies. They offer immediate care for victims, organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site and collect information to support first responder efforts. The CERT program creates a partnership between first responders and the community in training citizens to help themselves, their family and their neighbors in an emergency.
What training is involved?
CERT members are trained to respond, along with EMS, to large-scale emergencies. First, they care for their family and neighbors and then report to a strategic location to offer their assistance to the community. The Los Altos Police Department offers training in September and January. Members meet once a week for four Wednesday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. and learn essential skills, including disaster preparedness, fire suppression, basic medical operations and search and rescue. There is an additional Saturday hands-on session and occasional maintenance training is scheduled throughout the year.
What are the benefits of CERT training?
Local government prepares for everyday emergencies, but a large-scale disaster will overwhelm the community's immediate response capability causing significant delays getting to those who need help. During a major crisis, such as an earthquake, large-scale fire, or man-made disaster, assistance from trained volunteers is crucial. Those who complete the program are also registered as state disaster workers and are covered by state workers' compensation in event of an accident.
How much does the training cost?
Participants pay $90 for a CERT backpack with a team vest, helmet, gloves, and basic first aid and disaster response supplies.
How can I register for CERT training?
Print out a registration form 
and return it to the Los Altos Police Department, c/o John Korges, One North San Antonio Road, Los Altos, CA 94022.
For more information, please contact John Korges at
(650) 947-2821 or e-mail john.korges@losaltosca.gov.