March 2024

It’s Not Luck. Basic Protective Actions for all Disasters.

There are proven measures or “protective actions” that you can take to protect your family and property before, during, and after a disaster. These important actions will help keep you prepared for all disasters:

Have the skills to assess the situation quickly and to take effective action to protect yourself.
Get involved with preparedness training and volunteer programs.
Put together an emergency fund of cash and supplies.
Decrease the potential impacts of hazards.
Prepare a family disaster plan and practice the plan.

Remember to be inclusive in your disaster planning and consider the needs of your entire family including pets. Many disasters happen with little or no warning. You need to be ready with the appropriate skills and knowledge to act immediately—often before you have instructions from authorities. After an event, it is important to first assess the situation before deciding to stay or change your location.

Build Your Skills

We offer FREE preparedness information and instruction all year. Our Basic Training is held twice a year, in the Spring and Fall. Register here for our next Basic Training session.

In the meantime, while you are counting your lucky charms, take a Free Mini Summer Class! This summer we are offering three great FREE classes: Wildfire Preparedness, Earthquake Hazard Mitigation and Personal Emergency Preparedness. Contact us here to register for these free special classes or get on the list for Fall Basic Training. Whatever you do – don’t leave your preparedness to chance!

Check out our March Preparedness Guide for helpful tips, reminders and resources. Download the 12-month planner here. It’s never too late to start and CERT is here to help.

GET ALERTS

SMART 911

Get alerted about emergencies and other important community news by signing up for Martinez Alerts. This system enables The City of Martinez to provide you with critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, police activity, missing persons and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods. You may specify your home, mobile or business phones, email address, text messages and more.

THE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY COMMUNITY WARNING SYSYEM

The Contra Costa County Community Warning System (CWS) is one of the nation’s most modern and effective all-hazard public warning systems. CWS is an all-hazards system designed to alert the community of an emergency through multiple communication tools. CWS is generally not used for traffic alerts. Sign up to receive important alerts from CWS here.

CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES

California EOS provides alerts and messaging with critical information. Don’t let earthquakes catch you off guard! Seconds of advance warning can provide opportunity to take life-saving actions. Register for California Earthquake Early Warning. Wireless Emergency Services (WEA) is a nation-wide system providing lifesaving information for the State of California sent by state and local public officials. Register for these free services at Cal OES Alerts . Visit our Resources page for more!

We are a Firewise Community

Read about our journey and updates.
What is Defensible Space? See CCCFPD guide here. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers tips of how to prepare here. CCCFPD now offers a new online reporting form for weed abatement concerns and violations.

The California Public Utilities Commission worked with CAL FIRE and others to develop a Fire-Threat Map of California. The map shows places with a high risk of wildfires that could put people and property in danger. Additionally, PG&E has introduced an app that allows the public to report non-emergency safety concerns in high risks areas related to PG&E electrical equipment. Visit PG&E's Report It. Visit PG&E Safety site for helpful information.