Albany Fire Department enhances emergency preparedness in UC Village with CERT training

The Public Safety City Council Standing Committee meeting held on April 10, 2026, in Albany, California, focused on community preparedness and fire safety initiatives, particularly in collaboration with the University Village at UC Berkeley. The discussions highlighted the importance of enhancing safety education and resources for residents in the UC Village.

The meeting began with a review of ongoing coordination efforts between Albany Fire Department and the new emergency manager at UC Berkeley. The Albany Fire Department aims to support the university in developing training programs and resources for residents to improve their preparedness for emergencies. This includes organizing safety fairs and providing educational materials on fire and disaster safety.

Committee members expressed concerns about the limited awareness of safety initiatives among UC Village residents. It was noted that while the annual safety fair is a valuable event, more consistent communication and engagement are needed to ensure residents are informed about available resources and training opportunities.

The Albany Fire Department reported that they had conducted CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training for UC Village staff, equipping them with essential skills for emergency situations. The department is also collaborating with Albany CERT to expand training and outreach efforts within the village.

A significant point of discussion was the challenge of recruitment and staffing within the Albany Fire Department, which is reflective of a national trend affecting fire services. The department is currently fully staffed, but there are ongoing concerns about the delivery times for fire apparatus, which have been extended due to supply chain issues.

The committee acknowledged the vital role of Albany CERT in supporting community safety efforts. Their leadership has been instrumental in training and organizing community members, and they have recently received a grant to enhance CERT training for non-English speakers.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the commitment of the Albany Fire Department and local organizations to improve community preparedness and resilience. The next steps involve enhancing collaboration with UC Berkeley and increasing outreach to ensure that all residents are equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary for safety in emergencies.