Newport CERT Program Earns FEMA Award

A Newport Beach program created to help residents be prepared to respond during an emergency or disaster situation has received national recognition from the Federal Emergency Management Authority, city officials reported.

The Newport Beach Fire Department’s Community Emergency Response Team was selected as the winner of the 2012 Individual and Community Preparedness Award for Outstanding Community Emergency Response Team Initiatives from FEMA, city officials reported.

Newport Beach Fire Chief Scott Poster says the CERT program makes the city safer, stronger and better prepared to manage any emergency situation. Poster refers to the city’s CERT volunteers as his “Green Army” because he knows that once the fire department’s on-duty fire resources are committed to a disaster, the CERT volunteers will respond to take care of the community.

“We’re honored and grateful for the national recognition of our CERT program, particularly the dedicated team of citizen volunteers who stand by prepared to respond and support the Newport Beach community,” Poster said.

“We know our CERT group is second to none and now the nation knows it," Mayor Nancy Gardner added. "This is a wonderful honor and recognition for these dedicated volunteers.”

Members of the Newport Beach Fire Department are expected to attend an upcoming community roundtable event in Washington, D.C. to share the department's approaches to community preparedness.