CERT is an opportunity for residents and members of the business community to learn basic skills to save lives and protect property, in the aftermath of a major disaster, when emergency services are not immediately available. The primary goal is to train you to take care of:
- Yourself
- Your Family
- Your Neighborhood / Business
The City of San Juan Capistrano’s CERT program was developed because of the need for a well-trained civilian emergency work force. When an individual has met the needs of his/her immediate family, then he/she is available to assist the City by responding during disaster situations where the number and scope of incidents have overwhelmed the conventional emergency services.
The training program provides for community self-sufficiency through the development of multifunction response teams who will act as an adjunct to the City’s emergency services during major disasters. Through this unique program, people from community organizations, business and industry, and city employee groups will become members of CERT, or perform as individual leaders by directing untrained volunteers in the initial phase of an emergency.
By encouraging preparedness efforts and hazard mitigation, the effects of a disaster can be minimized considerably, as well as facilitate recovery. The benefits of this program are numerous. It will increase our overall level of disaster readiness, provide emergency skills that people may use in day to day emergencies, enhance the bond between government and community, increase community spirit, and improve the quality of life for the people of our City.
The CERT members receive about 20 hours of initial training (one day a week for 6 ½ weeks).
If you live or work in San Juan Capistrano, the CERT program is FREE. For nonresidents, there is a $25.00 administrative fee applicable upon acceptance into the program.
FOR REGISTRATION AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Contact Michael Cantor, Safety & Emergency Services Manager at 949.234.4565 or mcantor@sanjuancapistrano.org.
Registration Application
CERT Course Schedule-Fall 2012