2000 Southern California CERT Conference
On January 24, 2000, CERT and the Los Angeles Fire Department Disaster Preparedness Unit hosted the first Southern California CERT Conference. Over 90 teams were represented, and almost 200 coordinators and administrators attended. Discussions included how the CERT program was being implemented in various areas of the State, as well as means by which we could assist one another in the event that our own areas were overwhelmed.
Conferences such as this one provide a forum for us all, but we cannot do everything at this kind of event. The suggestion for smaller meetings at a more regional or local level was made,
and so far the people with whom we have discussed it like the idea. As a result, we will work toward finding places and times when meetings can be held.
THANK YOU
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended the CERT Conference on Monday, January 24. Your attendance and participation was an affirmation that we are all looking for new, innovative ways to meet the needs of our communities and dedicated volunteers. We now have what I believe is the opportunity to continue this positive process by meeting to discuss issues such as core curriculum, open refresher drills and expanding the role of the trained and certified volunteer.
Let's make 2000 the year we build a CERT community through cooperation, sharing and continuing communication.
Thank you for letting me be your host and facilitating this meeting. My only regret is that I did not have the opportunity to meet and talk with each of you.
Captain Don Lee
L.A. City CERT Coordinator
Some Comments From Participants
Thank you for all the hard work that you, Capt. Lee, and the other helpers did to put today's conference together. I think it is an excellent start for something that has a huge potential.
There is so much that we can all learn from each other. Again, thanks to you and Capt. Lee for getting the ball rolling and getting us all together.
Susie Thompson
Culver City CERT
I truly believe we have started the wheels turning on an outstanding CERT program coordination tool. My manager has also requested I meet with Ventura County's CERT coordinators. I am told
our County has established CERT standards, which can be used to assist in setting the Southern California CERT standards.
Bob McLaren
Simi Valley PD CERT Coordinator
