Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers from across Santa Barbara County are invited to join local emergency management agencies for a multi-jurisdictional CERT Refresher and Full-Scale Emergency Response Drill, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 17. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m.
The hands-on exercise offers trained CERT members an opportunity to sharpen essential disaster response skills, foster teamwork, refine communication protocols, and practice real-time incident response alongside fellow volunteers and emergency professionals from across the county, organizers said.
The day opens with a brief skills refresher session before transitioning into an immersive, full-scale scenario.
“Disasters don’t recognize city limits, and neither does our commitment to protecting our neighbors,” said Juliza Briones, Carpinteria emergency manager.
“This drill is all about building muscle memory and honing essential response skills,” she said. “By putting our training into practice, our CERT members will feel more prepared and ready to step up to serve their local communities and neighbors whenever disaster hits.”
The collaborative drill is offered through a joint effort between local cities, educational institutions, and public safety agencies, including:
• Cities of Buellton, Carpinteria, Goleta, Lompoc, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and Solvang
• Allan Hancock College and UC Santa Barbara
• Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District, Santa Barbara City Fire Department, Santa Barbara County Fire Department
Participant requirements and other information:
• Eligibility: Open to all trained CERT members from any jurisdiction.
• Proof of Training: Participants must provide proof of course completion, including the completion year and jurisdiction.
• Required Gear: Attendees are required to bring their own CERT backpack, helmet, and personal safety equipment. Closed-toe shoes mandatory for exercise participation.
• Pre-registration and waiver: All participants and volunteers must pre-register and complete signed release forms prior to the event.
Registration: Advance registration is mandatory; walk-ins not be permitted. Sign-up deadline is Monday, Oct. 12.
To register and complete a waiver, visit cityofcarp.co/certdrill2026 (English); cityofcarp.co/CERTEjercicioCondado2026 (Spanish).
Event supplies and materials for the drill have been donated by the Fire Services Training Institute, with lunch for participants provided by United Way.