Mission

The Highlands Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program will train Highlands residents and other community individuals in emergency preparedness and basic disaster response techniques. As volunteers they will take a critical role in providing critical support to emergency service personnel during emergencies.

Goals

• CERT seeks to provide disaster readiness to citizens, prepare neighbors to help neighbors and to do the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
• CERT seeks to provide a realistic and positive approach to emergency and disaster situations when professional rescue services may be temporarily unavailable.
• In a disaster situation, CERT members are trained to take care of one's family and self first and when able they stand ready to accept assignments and other related duties as requested by the Fire Department.

Authority

The Highlands CERT team receives its direction and operates at the discretion of the San Mateo County Fire Department and the Highlands CERT Steering Committee.