Cupertino’s Community Emergence Response Team (CERT) now has nearly 100 trained volunteers. The number of trained volunteers nearly doubled when more than 40 residents completed CERT training in June.
The Santa Clara County Fire Department, which conducted the training in Cupertino, offers the class throughout the year in the various cities it serves. Attendees learn about organizing resources, medical operations, basic search and rescue, how to use a fire extinguisher and damage assessment.
Trained CERT volunteers are a key aspect of the City of Cupertino’s disaster preparedness plan. In the event of an area-wide disaster, CERT members can mobilize neighborhood resources, deliver immediate assistance to victims, organize emergency communications and provide support to first responders.