Office of Emergency Services spotlights programs helping San Bernardino County residents prepare before disaster strikes

When emergencies happen, preparation can make all the difference.

That is why the San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services (OES) launched a new “Meet OES” volunteer program spotlight series to help residents learn about the programs, trainings and volunteer opportunities that strengthen preparedness across the county.

The series highlights the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), LISTOS (Spanish for “Ready”) and the Emergency Communications Service (ECS), three programs with one shared mission: helping San Bernardino County communities be ready before, during and after emergencies.

From hands-on disaster response training to family preparedness education and emergency communications support, these programs give residents the tools, knowledge and confidence to take action when it matters most.

“Preparedness starts with you,” said OES Emergency Services Officer Carrie Cruz. “Whether someone wants to learn how to protect their family, support their neighborhood or serve during an emergency, there is a place for them to get involved.”

Meet CERT: Training residents to step up safely

When disaster hits, will you be ready?

CERT provides free, hands-on training to help residents prepare for disasters and safely support their families, neighbors and communities during emergencies.

CERT participants learn practical skills such as fire safety, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, team coordination and emergency preparedness.

During a major emergency, professional responders may be delayed or overwhelmed. CERT helps residents understand how to take safe, responsible action until additional help arrives.

Residents interested in learning valuable emergency response skills can visit OES.SBCounty.gov/CERT.

Meet LISTOS: Helping families prepare at home

Preparedness starts at home, and every family deserves access to life-saving information.

LISTOS is a free, hands-on emergency preparedness course that helps individuals and families create emergency plans, identify hazards in the home, build disaster supply kits and learn what to do before emergencies happen.

The course covers practical steps such as creating a family communication plan, safely shutting off utilities, using a fire extinguisher and preparing emergency supplies.

Offered in English and Spanish, LISTOS helps make preparedness education more accessible to communities across San Bernardino County.

Residents can learn more and sign up at OES.SBCounty.gov/LISTOS.

Meet ECS: Keeping communication moving during emergencies

When communication systems are disrupted, communication cannot stop.

ECS is made up of trained volunteers who provide backup communications support during emergencies, planned events and response operations.

During wildfires, storms, power outages and other major incidents, traditional communication systems can become overloaded or unavailable. ECS volunteers help keep critical information moving between county departments, emergency responders and community partners.

Their work helps ensure important messages get where they need to go when every second counts.

Residents interested in emergency communications can learn more at OES.SBCounty.gov/ECS.

Different programs. One mission.

CERT, LISTOS and ECS each serve a different role, but together they support one shared goal: building a more prepared and resilient San Bernardino County.

Whether residents want to receive training, prepare their family, support their neighborhood or volunteer their time and skills, OES programs offer meaningful ways to get involved.

Preparedness starts before an emergency happens. It starts with learning, planning and taking action now.

To learn more about OES volunteer programs and trainings, visit OES.SBCounty.gov/Volunteer-Programs.

Be involved. Get trained. Be ready!

Additional County Update News – May 21, 2026