The Saratoga CERT program has over 100 trained volunteers who can be activated in case of a significant event. They will assist the Saratoga community and act as first responders to provide neighborhoods with search and rescue, light medical operations, radio communications, damage assessment, and other related functions.

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. The Saratoga CERT program uses the national CERT curriculum developed and promulgated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the training provided by the Santa Clara County Fire Department’s CERT Liaison and Instructional Team, to train interested Saratoga residents.

The Saratoga CERT program is overseen, for legal and budgetary purposes, by the City of Saratoga’s Department of the City Manager. The CERT organization is managed by the volunteers.

We divide Saratoga into 4 formal divisions and an “at-large” group: