Our program follows the FEMA CERT Basic Curriculum and offers free hands-on training designed to give you the skills and confidence to support your family, neighbors, community and the City of Encinitas when every second counts. 

As an Encinitas CERT volunteer, you’ll join a team that helps the city prepare for and respond to local emergencies and build community resilience. Whether it’s wildfire season, an earthquake, or a major storm, CERT volunteers are a vital part of keeping Encinitas safe.

Encinitas CERT Mission

The mission of the Encinitas Community Emergency Response Team is to support safety, life and property preservation by training and equipping community members to assist during emergencies, ultimately doing the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

CERT Academy

The Encinitas Fire Department will be hosting the 2026 CERT Academy from February 9 to April 13, 2026. All training classes will be held at the Encinitas Community Senior Center.

How to Apply

• Submit a completed Encinitas CERT Academy application.
• Applicants will be contacted by an Encinitas Fire Department staff member once their application is reviewed.
• Space is limited - interested candidates are encouraged to apply by January 9, 2026.
• Applicants must be an Encinitas resident and at least 18 years of age.

Requirements

• Applicants must be Encinitas resident
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old
• Selected participants must complete a Live Scan background check