As wildfires and other emergencies continue to impact communities across San Bernardino County, hundreds of trained volunteers stand ready to support first responders when requested. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a network of volunteers who receive specialized emergency preparedness training so they can safely assist their neighborhoods and support emergency operations when activated by emergency management officials.
While CERT teams closely monitored the recent Summit Fire and participated in coordination meetings to stay informed, they were not activated for the incident. That distinction highlights one of the most important aspects of the CERT program: volunteers respond only when requested and assigned through official emergency management channels.
“One of the strengths of CERT is that our volunteers are trained to support, not self-deploy,” said Emergency Services Officer Suyan Carcedo, Office of Emergency Services. “Whether they’re assisting at evacuation shelters, supporting logistics, providing public information or helping communities recover after a disaster, CERT members serve where they are needed most and only when it is safe and appropriate.”
Throughout the Summit Fire, CERT leaders participated in coordination meetings and shared official updates with volunteers to ensure they remained informed and prepared if additional assistance was requested.
What does CERT do?
CERT members complete comprehensive training that prepares them to assist during disasters that overwhelm local resources. Depending on the incident, volunteers may help with:
- Disaster preparedness and community education
- Basic fire suppression and utility control
- Light search and rescue
- Disaster medical operations
- Damage assessment
- Shelter and evacuation support
- Communications and logistical assistance
- Community recovery efforts
Their role allows first responders to focus on the most critical life-safety missions while trained volunteers provide support in other essential areas.
Prepared before disaster strikes
Emergency preparedness begins long before an incident occurs. CERT volunteers regularly participate in training exercises, community outreach events and emergency preparedness education throughout the county. These efforts help residents understand how to prepare emergency supply kits, develop family communication plans and respond safely during disasters. Whether or not they are activated during a specific emergency, CERT members remain an important part of San Bernardino County’s emergency preparedness network.
Residents interested in strengthening their own emergency preparedness or becoming a CERT volunteer can learn more about upcoming training opportunities by visiting OES’s website.
Additional County Update News – July 16, 2026
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