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Napa County CERT volunteer describes role in earthquake and wildfire response, urges residents to join
Summary
A Napa County Community Emergency Response Team volunteer described CERT’s functions after the 2014 earthquake and during recent wildfires, citing duties at staging areas, road closures and radio dispatch, and encouraged residents to train and volunteer.
Carrie Lang, who identified herself as net control for radio communications for Napa County CERT, described the volunteer team's work during emergencies and encouraged residents to join.
Lang said CERT volunteers filled logistical and support roles when local resources were stretched, pointing to the 2014 earthquake as a turning point. "After the 2014 earthquake, we realized how unprepared we were. We didn't know how to help ourselves or anyone else, and that experience really stuck with us," she said. "I'm the net control for radio communications for CERT during emergencies. It's the equivalent to a dispatcher for first responders."
The volunteer said CERT members supported response efforts during the LNU Lightning Complex fires by staffing the staging area, processing paperwork, keeping patrol units fueled, managing road closures and enforcing hard closures so first responders could focus on emergency operations. Lang also described how CERT training has proved useful outside large incidents: on a recent camping trip, volunteers provided aid to a camper during a medical emergency until EMTs arrived. "CERT has given me a sense of confidence and purpose. I know I can support my family, neighbors, and community in times of need," she said.
Lang emphasized that Napa County jurisdictions access CERT through the Napa County Emergency Operations Center when local resources are exhausted. She described the group's training as consistent and said volunteers perform functions that allow firefighters and paramedics to concentrate on fire suppression and emergency medical response.
She closed by inviting residents to volunteer: "If you wanna do the greatest good for the greatest number of people, then CERT is for you. Join our team of volunteers today. We have a variety of opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. Visit our website to find the perfect role for you." The transcript did not specify the website URL or any upcoming training dates.
The remarks were recorded in the meeting transcript and focused on CERT's volunteer support role; no formal actions, motions, or funding requests appeared in the recorded excerpt.
