Woodside Fire Protection District

What is CERPP?
CERPP is a Neighbor-to-Neighbor self-help program for activation in the event of a major emergency. The WFPD has been divided into 25 Divisions and the Divisions are, in turn, divided into Neighborhood teams. Our objective is to have everyone living in the WFPD be a member of a Neighborhood Team. In the event of any widespread disaster, such as a large earthquake, we are likely to be on our own for an extended period. In such circumstances these teams will activate. Specifically, CERPP's goals are to establish:

Neighborhood teams that prepare for and respond to emergencies in their local area when the fire department is overtaxed.
Maintain a communications system so neighborhoods can talk to one another and to the public safety agencies.
Maintain emergency containers with supplies to support established emergency shelters throughout the district.
Maintain safe havens for our animals [and help citizens prepare and respond to emergencies.]

A training program provides classes for CERPP team members to learn about how to organize their neighborhood, lead a team in a disaster and assist the injured people. Please refer to our Training Schedule to see our latest course offerings.

CERPP is supported in part by the WFPD, the towns of Woodside and Portola Valley, San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, and San Mateo County Office of Emergency Services. It is an authorized 501.C3, making it eligible to receive tax deductible contributions. CERPP is governed by a volunteer board of directors.

Who is CERPP?

CERPP is an organization of fellow Citizens and Emergency Personnel who are:

Residents of the WFPD
Towns of Portola Valley and Woodside
County Representatives
Fire Chief and Staff WFPD
Red Cross Executives
Office of Emergency Services Representative
Humane Society Representatives

How Can I Participate?

1. Contact Gaylynne Mann at the WFPD business office (650-851-1594) during business hours (0800-1700hrs Mon-Thrs) to learn which division includes your residence.

2. Contact your division leader to see if your neighborhood is already organized. If it is, call your neighborhood team leader and join the team. If your neighborhood has no team, your division leader will help you start one.

Participation in a CERPP team is a good way to meet your neighbors, and requires only a small commitment of time. The rewards are an enhanced sense of community, and the confidence that you and your neighbors will be prepared to help each other in times of great stress.