What's Happening in Newport Beach, CA…

The wildfires in California that destroyed the town of Paradise also devastated much of Butte County. Now, the state's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the California Volunteers have asked for help from CERT volunteers, and Newport Beach is asking its CERT personnel to consider joining the effort.

CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team, an organization comprised of volunteers who have received training in basic emergency response, and who can help supplement official responders in the event of a major disaster.

Those who are considering deploying to Butte County are asked to commit to a one-week stay at the minimum. While there, the volunteers will help shelter animals, both livestock and pets. There are other shelter operations that will need assistance as well.

Cal OES and FEMA have set up a base camp for all CERT volunteers, who will have their meals provided. CERT volunteers will have their transportation expenses to and from Butte County reimbursed, but any other expense while in the area will be borne by the volunteers. Agencies organizing efforts such as this could use poster printing to create signage identifying assembly points and other important sites.

The Newport Beach Fire Department will have to approve any Newport Beach CERT volunteers who are interested. CERT personnel, especially those who have worked with animals, and who want to help should email nbcert@nbfd.net with their contact information. They are asked not to go to Butte county on their own.