Malibu's Emergency Response Team Awarded $13,500 Grant

MALIBU, CA — The City of Malibu's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program was awarded $13,500 in grant funds by California Volunteers, Office of the Governor, after a competitive application process, the City of Malibu announced last week. Malibu will use these funds for "advanced training and protective equipment for the CERT team, with the goal of increasing community engagement about disaster preparedness," the City press release said.

"Our CERT team is a crucial part of our efforts to achieve community-wide emergency preparedness, and this grant will help us to develop it even further," said Mayor Jefferson "Zuma Jay" Wagner.

This grant is a larger part of California's effort to mobilize local communities and foster the spirit of volunteerism. CERT teams around California will be receiving funds to expand their capabilities in engaging Californians in disaster preparedness.

Teams will be required to purchase a standardized helmet and vest for each funded team member, conduct background checks and provide insurance for members, the press release said. Malibu CERT is also responsible for engaging more than 500 individuals in disaster preparedness before the end of 2020 as a condition of receiving these grant funds, the City said.

"CERT volunteers are a crucial part of the City’s ability to prepare and respond to disasters," the City of Malibu said. "Program graduates are better equipped to help themselves, their families, and their neighbors during a future disaster in Malibu. These grant funds will facilitate Malibu CERT’s mission to boost the community’s overall resiliency and preparedness"

The City Council adopted official CERT program guidelines in 2017, including the membership requirements, team organizational structure, member responsibilities and activation procedures, formally incorporating the program and CERT volunteers into the City’s Emergency Management System, the press release said.

For more information, visit www.MalibuCity.org/CERT.