Welcome to Arcata CERT

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. CERT offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations, which allows them to focus on more complex tasks. Through CERT, the capabilities to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters is built and enhanced.

In Arcata, CERT operates under the authority of the Arcata Police Department, and works in cooperation with the Humboldt CERT Coalition and the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services.

This website serves as both a source of information for the greater community about disaster preparedness and an intranet for Arcata CERT members and affiliates to facilitate their communication, collaboration, planning, and skills development.

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What to do AFTER a severe storm

Submitted by david_boyd on

Thanks to team member Friday Ululani for sending us the following information which was locally posted on The Red Headed Blackbelt.

Press release from California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES):

OES-Safe_After_a_Storm.jpg

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) encourages all Californians to be prepared for what follows disasters.  

Californians know how important it is to be ready before a disaster, but knowing what to do after the disaster strikes is just as important.  

In the coming months, California is anticipating an El Niño year, which could result in above-normal precipitation and storms. As you prepare for this weather, keep these important tips in mind for post-storm safety:  

Stay Informed

  • Listen to local authorities for updated information regarding evacuations and road closures.
  • Check your local utility provider for updates regarding any power outages and projected restoration.
  • Before a storm hits, make sure to visit CalAlerts.org to sign up for text, phone and email alerts from your county.

Power Outages 

  • If your power goes out and you must use a generator, make sure to follow these safety tips.
  • When power is restored, be sure to throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture. If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise

Check for Property Damage

  • After a storm, and only if it’s safe, it’s a good idea to take a look around your property for any damage that needs to be fixed.
  • As you check your property, be sure to stay away from damaged structures and downed power lines. 

Watch Out for Debris and Power Lines

  • Never go near downed power lines, as high voltage wires may still be active. Report downed power lines to your local utility emergency center and the police.  

  • Be cautious of downed trees—it’s best to have a professional remove trees and limbs that have fallen on your home or are blocking access.

Addressing Mold and Sewage Contamination 

  • After heavy rainfall or flooding, ensure your house is thoroughly dried to prevent mold growth.  
  • If flooding occurred, assume your home must be treated for mold. Use appropriate equipment and follow safety guidelines.  
  • If sewage contamination is suspected, take necessary precautions.  

Gas Leak Safety Measures

  • If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, ventilate the area and leave immediately.
  • Once you turn off the gas, do not turn it back on yourself. Wait for the gas utility company to check for leaks and have the company restore your service.  

Preparation before a disaster can also help you get through the aftermath—check out these preparedness resources before the winter season:

Taking precautions seriously can make a big difference in keeping yourself and your loved ones safe after a severe storm. Your safety should always be a top priority. 

If Disaster Strikes - Are You Prepared?

When a major disaster strikes traditional first-responders will likely be overwhelmed with calls.  Emergency Managers suggest preparing to be self-reliant-for at least 72 hours--and possibly longer!

Are you ready?  Do you have the knowledge and supplies to help yourself?  Your family?  Your coworkers? Your neighbors?

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) was created to guide neighborhoods in organizing themselves for disaster mitigation, preparation, response and recovery.

Central to CERT preparations is a 23-hour Basic Training class that all CERT members attend.  The purpose of this class is to provide individuals with basic skills to respond to their community's immediate needs in the aftermath of a disaster, especially when emergency services are not immediately available. By working together, CERT members can assist in saving lives and protecting property using the basic techniques in this course.

CERT Basic Training topics include:

  • Personal and family preparedness
  • Earthquake preparation
  • Tsunami, wildfire, flood hazards
  • Medical operations & triage
  • Damage assessment
  • Light search & rescue
  • Fire suppression
  • Utility control
  • and more....

CERT teams exist throughout Humboldt County.  To connect with a CERT team near you, or for information about upcoming Basic CERT Training, contact:

Linda Nellist, Chair
Humboldt CERT Coalition
[email protected]