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 2026
- CERT Basic Training will begin Monday, March 2, 2025, and will meet in person on March 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
- Field Day is Saturday, March 21, noon - 4 p.m.
Register now for a Palo Alto CERT course.
Fall 2026
- CERT Basic Training will begin Tuesday, September 1st, 2025, and will meet in person on September 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
- Field Day is Saturday, September 19, noon - 4 p.m.
Register now for a Palo Alto CERT course.
If our dates conflict with your schedule, you can also view CERT course offerings from our local public safety partners at Mountain View OES, Sunnyvale OES and Santa Clara Fire Department.
Important Training Notes:
- Online Requirements: We ask that you complete three online modules on your own time before the first class. Instructions are posted here.(PDF, 570KB)
- Age Requirements: Individuals who are 16 years or older can participate in this CERT basic training course. However, individuals must be 18 years old to formally register as a CERT member in our Emergency Services Volunteer program.
- Special Accommodations: We aim to make this event accessible for all who would like to participate in this course. For accommodations, and access and functional needs requests, please call 650-617-3197 or email esv@paloalto.gov when you register, but at least 5 business days prior to the start of training. We would like to know of any special needs ahead of time so we can provide the best training environment as possible for all participants.
CERT Online Resources