The City of San Juan Capistrano Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is designed to increase individual and community preparedness and self-reliance in the event of man-made or natural disasters. CERT volunteers are trained in emergency procedures and are duly registered as Disaster Service Workers in accordance with the California Government Code and the City of San Juan Capistrano Municipal Code.
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program, has been implemented in many communities across the country. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has officially recognized CERT as an important part of a community's disaster preparedness readiness.
CERT training encompasses the following:
- Disaster Preparedness

- Terrorism Awareness
- Fire Safety
- Disaster Medical Operations
- Light Search and Rescue
- Disaster Psychology
- Disaster Communications
- Team Organization
- Disaster Simulation
The City of San Juan Capistrano CERT training program is offered free to the community. Training includes 20 hours of classroom and hands-on training preparing the student for all types of hazards and disasters.
CERT classes have been postponed, but interested individuals can register below to receive notification of future CERT class dates.
There is a free online introduction course offered by FEMA while waiting for CERT classes to resume.
FEMA: IS-317.A: Introduction to Community Emergency Response Team (CERTs). https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-317.a

