About Us
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 Emergencty Management Instutite (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 Fire Department to train interested Saratoga residents.
The Saratoga CERT program is adminsitered by the Saratoga Parks and Recreation Director and Risk Manager. The hierarchy below that is the standard CERT organization managed by the volunteers.