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Be Trained

An important part of preparing for an emergency is knowing how to help yourself, your family and others when disaster strikes. Here are some options to help you get started. Feel free to contact our office for more information.

CERT – The Community Emergency Response Team training is a 20-hour, nationally recognized course which prepares individuals to help prior to, during and after a large scale disaster and is ideal for those hoping to become part of the city’s disaster response. The Office of Emergency Management has been holding reduced-capacity CERT courses throughout 2021 in each City Council District and is in the planning phase for 2022 courses.

Basic Home/Business Emergency Preparedness Public Education – This is a short course in basic disaster preparedness for you, your home, your family or your business. Programs are delivered by trained staff or volunteers. We are happy to send someone to speak at your neighborhood association meeting, church group or scouting meeting. Minimum participation is for groups of 20 or more.

This summer and fall, PG&E can shut off power to their distribution and transmission lines to prevent their equipment from starting wildfires. These events are known as PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). Due to the PSPS, we are currently unable to accept requests for public presentations.  For more information on how to prepare for PSPS, please visit the City of San Jose’s PSPS webpage.

CPR – Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation classes are offered locally through the American Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter and the American Heart Association.

FEMA Independent Study Program – This is a great program that offers free online classes you can take anytime. You’ll need a computer with an internet connection and are required to sign up for a student ID before beginning. Here are some of the classes that our office recommends for the general public. If you’re interested in becoming an Emergency Manager, give us a call and we can recommend more classes for you!