Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training Academy

Two teaching formats to suit your learning style

A sizable portion (about 12 hours) of CERT Basic Training Academy consists of classroom instruction, teaching you how to prepare for and respond to hazards that may impact the Coastside.  Candidates may choose to complete this portion through 10 self-guided online learning modules or by attending a series of three in-person classes at Coastside Fire Station 40 in Half Moon Bay.  

Regardless of which option you choose for the classroom portion, all candidates will complete the final (about 8 hour) day of practical hands-on training and disaster simulation led by SMC Department of Emergency Management District Coordinator David Cosgrave at Coastside Fire Station 40.

Learning from the best

Approximately one week before the in-person training day, Chief Cosgrave will hold a  Zoom Q&A and Instruction session with all registered candidates who have completed the training modules to provide localized Coastside knowledge to your CERT training and answer any questions you may have.  See the Zoom recording from a previous session.

With a genuine passion for teaching, Chief Cosgrave weaves his three decades of Coastside first responder experiences in and out of FEMA's basic training curriculum with threads of practical life-saving skills, relatable stories to boost your Coastside survival IQ, and a wicked sense of humor. He knows where all the bodies are buried, so to speak (though he says he won't tell ;) and shares his amazing experiences to teach you, your family, and your neighbors how to stay safe. 

Putting it all into practice

Training culminates in a full-day, hands-on training session (and graduation!) at Coastside Fire Station 40 (1191 Main St, Half Moon Bay) led by local first responders, CERT instructors and CERT volunteers.  The emphasis is on learning by doing: Instructors demonstrate and candidates practice the skills based on the Hybrid CERT curriculum checklist, progressing from one skill station to another followed by team participation in disaster simulations.  

In compliance with public health guidelines, masks are optional but encouraged.  Social distancing, hand-washing, and sanitizing are encouraged.  Candidates must attend the full day in order to receive a final certificate of course completion. You will be a full-fledged CERT graduate by the end of this session.

Most candidates are 18+ years old.  Candidates aged 14-17 years may be able to join with written permission from a parent or guardian.

Upcoming In-Person Training Sessions

If you have any questions, please contact coastsidecert@gmail.com.  Thank you - You can do this!

Additional Resources:

• CERT Participant Manual (PM)

• CERT Basic Training Instructor Guide (IG)

• In-Person Training Checklist

• Walkie Talkie Tutorial