South Coast CERT logo

South Coast CERT is a proud partner of the California For All Emergency Preparedness Campaign, called LISTOS California. LISTOS is a governor sponsored effort to boost disaster preparedness by engaging over 1 million of the most vulnerable Californians and connecting them with culturally and linguistically competent support. For more information on LISTOS, go to www.ListosCalifornia.org.

Critical Steps for Preparedness:

  • Sign up for the San Mateo Alert System: www.smcalert.org

  • Create your own emergency plan: www.ready.gov/plan

  • Get to safety with things you need – a GO BAG

  • Stay safe at home when you can’t leave – a STAY BAG

  • Help friends and neighbors

LISTOS California logo

CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) is activated whenever significant events tax the normal emergency response structures in San Mateo County.

Examples include:

  • Major storms and land slides of 2018

  • PG&E Public Safety Power Shutdowns of 2019

CERT team members:

  • Receive 20 hours of training delivered over 4 weeks.

  • Learn techniques in: first aid, search and rescue, fire extinguisher use, medical triage, emergency communication, and more.

  • Participate in periodic drills/exercises on a volunteer-friendly schedule.

  • Learn how to remain safe while helping others.

  • Assist Fire and other emergency response personnel in the event of a large-scale disaster.

  • Play a major role in the annual Chipper Program, reducing available fire fuel in the community.