Who is Bodega Bay CERT?

BB CERT, doing business as Bodega Bay CERT, is a private, all-volunteer community organization based in Bodega Bay, California. The purpose of BBCERT is to educate volunteers and the general public about how to best prepare for and respond to community-wide disasters such as earthquake, flood, wildfire, and tsunami.

In the event of a major disaster, professional emergency services may be overwhelmed and unavailable for long periods of time. The widespread needs of the community will depend upon voluntary assistance. With this in mind, the local governments in Sonoma County have adopted a citizen training program called Community Emergency Response Training (CERT).

CERT teams are trained in basic emergency response procedures such as:

Conducting an initial size-up of the situation in their immediate area
Reducing immediate dangers by turning off utilities, suppressing small fires, and evacuating hazardous areas
Performing immediate medical triage and basic treatment of injuries
Assessing structural integrity and performing light search and rescue
Collecting and recording vital information to be relayed to professional responders on damage, victims, and actions taken or resources needed
Providing leadership to untrained volunteers

Bodega Bay CERT offers CERT Basic training to our community members. Classes are offered multiple times a year and are open to the community to attend any session that works best for their schedule.

BBCERT’s activities are focused in four main areas:

Disaster Preparedness

BB CERT volunteers work with neighborhood groups, community organizations, local government, and first responders (e.g. fire, sheriff, etc.) to provide information to area residents about how to prevent common household emergencies; how to prepare for and what to have on hand for survival and recovery in the event of a major disaster such as an earthquake; and how to help others do the same. BBCERT provides these services through timely distribution of topical materials, neighborhood meetings, and during public programs held throughout the year. Announcements about programs are posted in local social media and here on our website.

Community Emergency Response Team – CERT

Bodega Bay is fortunate to have dozens of local volunteers that have been trained in light search and rescue and basic first aid to use in the event of a major disaster. These volunteers may be called upon by government authorities to act as disaster service workers in order to help neighbors before official first responders arrive, or to assist as needed during a catastrophic event. BB CERT collaborates with Northern Sonoma County CERT, and Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management to promote and sponsor training for CERT volunteers throughout the year. Information about CERT training is available here on our website.

Neighborhood Emergency Sheds

BBCERT, supports the construction, supply, management, and training for emergency sheds and volunteers in ten neighborhoods throughout Bodega Bay. About the size of a garden shed and located on easements or accessible private property, sheds contain supplies and equipment for neighborhood volunteers who may act as “good Samaritans” when helping neighbors in the event of a disaster. BB CERT provides protocols and training for the volunteers, who conduct neighborhood meetings and drills to prepare for disasters; and assess damage and communicate needs during events. Persons interested in being a shed volunteer can contact the neighborhood shed captain directly, or BB CERT for more information.

HAM Radio Network

The greater Bodega Bay area is fortunate to have many licensed amateur Ham radio operators (Hams). Ham radio communication is a vital link to rescue and services in the event of a major disaster when other forms of electronic communication might be down. Local Hams are considered part of BB CERT, and specially qualified Ham volunteers staff the CERT Net Control at Bodega Bay Fire Station #10 to inform the local Emergency Operations Center of conditions reported by area Hams during a disaster. Hams must be trained and licensed according to FCC regulations. Local Hams can guide interested persons through the process, and recommend study materials. Periodically, the test is held in Bodega Bay. For more information, contact: BodegaBayCERT94923@gmail.com.