September has been officially proclaimed Emergency Preparedness Month in San Jose, with city leaders urging residents to take proactive steps to ensure their safety in times of crisis. During a recent City Council meeting, Mayor and council members highlighted the importance of community readiness, emphasizing that being prepared can save lives and strengthen neighborhoods.

The city’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program was a focal point of the discussion. Last year, San Jose graduated 339 new CERT members, bringing the total to over 1,600 trained residents. The program offers flexible training options, including traditional in-person courses, hybrid formats, and self-paced online learning. The ambitious goal is to train 10% of the city’s population—approximately 100,000 residents—in emergency response skills.

Council member Casey stressed the necessity of preparedness, noting that in a city as large as San Jose, residents must rely on themselves and their neighbors during emergencies. He encouraged every household to connect with local neighborhood associations and participate in CERT training, which is free for all residents.

Ray Reardon, Director of the Office of Emergency Management, reinforced the message by outlining five essential steps for personal and community preparedness. He urged residents to sign up for emergency alerts, create family emergency plans, and prepare go-bags for quick evacuations. Reardon also highlighted the importance of community involvement in emergency response efforts, stating that residents stepping up can make a significant difference during disasters.

As San Jose embraces Emergency Preparedness Month, city leaders are calling on residents to take action now to build a more resilient community, ensuring that when disaster strikes, they are ready to respond effectively.