City of Huntington Beach

WELCOME TO DISASTER PREPAREDNESS (CERT)

Huntington Beach Fire Department

The City of HB's Fire Department is responsible for the Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) program. This program was founded in 1991. It has now expanded to all 50 states as a FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) endorsed training program. CERT offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations. CERT prepares you to help yourself, your family, your neighbors and your community in the event of a disaster. This program also prepares you to become City of Huntington Beach certified volunteer.

WHAT CERT VOLUNTEERS DO FOR THEIR FAMILIES, THE CITY & STATE

In the event of a disaster, a CERT volunteer would first take care of self, family, and then neighbors.

Upon request, a CERT volunteer could report to the city and perform duties such as providing damage assessment information, sheltering support, checking on the frail and elderly, and other tasks as requested by the Fire and Police Departments.

For the City Huntington Beach, CERT volunteers routinely support the Fire and Police Departments with tasks such as sandbagging, providing first aid at major events, helping with communications and more.

CERT Members Login

For members, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program offers a consistent, City and statewide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during a disaster situation.

Contact us to help you search for an activity, manage your events and programs, register your group, and stay connected in your neighborhood!

CERT Newsletters

The HB Fire Department is responsible for the HB Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program and distributes this CERT newsletter to all active members so that they stay up-to-date on new opportunities, policies and initiatives that affect their membership.

Useful Links

Many preparedness actions are useful in any type of emergency, and some are specific to the type of disaster. A critical first step to preparedness is to understand the hazard or hazards that are most relevant to your community.

Next, it is important to learn about local alerts and warning systems, evacuation routes, and sheltering plans. It is also important to familiarize yourself with hazards in other areas given that you may experience a different and less familiar type of hazard when you are traveling.

Regardless of the type of disaster, important elements of disaster preparedness include:

1. Having the skills to evaluate the situation quickly and to take effective action to protect yourself

2. Having a family disaster plan and practicing the plan with drills

3. Assembling supplies in multiple locations

4. Reducing the impact of hazards through mitigation practices

5. Getting involved by participating in training and volunteer programs.

Useful Videos

Sandbag Techniques for HB Residents Video

Earthquake Lady - Dr. Lucy Jones Video

Carol Burtis | CERT Coordinator | HB Fire Department | (714) 536 - 5979 | Carol.Burtis@surfcity-hb.org

To learn more about the operation and other services provided by the City's Fire Department: Visit our page