The Woodside-Portola Valley Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is overseen by the Woodside Fire Protection District.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills so they may assist their neighbors in the event of an emergency. Skills include: fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

Our Mission

Our mission is to prepare the citizens of the Woodside and Portola Valley areas to become self-sufficient during and after a major emergency or disaster. CERT members participate as an organized volunteer emergency response team that supplements our first responders in times of disaster and emergency situations. 

Benefits of CERT

Disaster preparedness and hazard mitigation can minimize the effects of a disaster and facilitate recovery. The benefits of this program are numerous and invaluable. 

• Increases the level of overall disaster readiness in our area

• Provides emergency skills that participants will use in day-to-day activities and emergencies to keep themselves, their families, and their neighbors safe

• Increases community pride and improves the quality of life for the people of the Woodside and Portola Valley areas

To learn more about the program, and to find upcoming classes visit www.WPV-CERT.org.

Photo credit: Jan Lundberg, CERT graduate and local volunteer