The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) concept was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) in 1985. Since then, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recognized the importance of preparing citizens. Now, the CERT training has been adopted and expanded by the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) and the National Fire Academy since 1993.
Our city has recognized the need to augment Fire department personnel with trained citizens who can help in case of a disaster. Saratoga uses the CERT curriculum and the training provided by the Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Services to train interested Saratoga residents.
The Saratoga CERT program is adminsitered by the Saratoga Parks and Recreation Director and Risk Manager. TheĀ CERT organization is managed by the volunteers.
We divide Saratoga into 4 formal divisions and an “at-large” group:
- Argonaut
- Cox (detail map)
- Quito/West Valley (detail map; Quito map; West Valley map)
- Vineyard