Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Citizens' Academy (May/June 2025)

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Citizens' Academy

Join us for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Citizens' Academy at the Santa Clara Fire Department Training Center! This hands-on event is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively respond to emergencies in your community.

Starting on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 6:30 PM (Pacific Standard Time), this 6-class, in-person academy will provide valuable training in disaster preparedness, basic first aid, fire safety, and search and rescue techniques. Led by experienced instructors, you'll learn practical skills that can make a difference during critical situations.

By participating in this academy, you'll become a vital part of our community's emergency response network. Whether it's an earthquake, flood, or other crisis, you'll be prepared to assist your neighbors and support professional responders.

Don't miss this opportunity to become a certified member of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Citizens' Academy. Sign up now and be ready to make a positive impact when it matters most!

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The Santa Clara Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training Program consists of 21 IN-PERSON classroom hours during six (6) classes, with hands-on training taught by professional firefighters with extensive emergency response experience. This training is open to individuals who live or work in the City of Santa Clara. To register, students should commit to attending all six (6) classes. (Please note that although the Eventbrite registration is only able to list the first date of the academy, by registering for the May 27 class, you are agreeing to attend all six (6) classes of the full academy.) See dates below.

• The CERT Academy consists of five (5) nightly sessions and one (1) final skills exercise, all IN-PERSON.

· Tuesday 5/27/25 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

· Thursday 5/29/25 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

· Tuesday 6/3/25 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

· Thursday 6/5/25 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

· Tuesday 6/10/25 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

· Saturday 6/14/25 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Students should commit to attending all six (6) class meetings. Upon completion, students will receive a Certificate of Completion.

Topics include:

• Earthquake awareness

• Personal, family and workplace preparation

• Non-structural hazard mitigation

• Emergency assistance team concept

• Terrorism and CERT

• Utility control - when and how to shut it off

• Hazardous materials recognition

• Fire extinguisher use

• Disaster medicine

• Triage - How to decide who to treat and when

• Assessment and care of minor injuries

• Burns

• Building damage recognition

• Light search and rescue techniques

• Lifting heavy objects

• Leadership structure

• Team response and management

• Disaster psychology

Fee: $35 fee (payable by cash or check made payable to “City of Santa Clara” on first day of class) covers the CERT backpack with supplies, including some Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) you will receive in this course.

Location: Santa Clara Fire Department Training Center

For questions about the City of Santa Clara CERT Program or this upcoming academy, contact the Office of Emergency Management at (408) 615-4942 or by email at [email protected].

Host or Publisher The City of Santa Clara Office of Emergency Services