CERV is pleased to announce that the Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop has awarded a $2,700 grant to support Big Sur CERT’s community emergency preparedness and training efforts. This funding strengthens resilience across one of Monterey County’s most remote, hazard prone regions.
Strengthening CERT Training in Big Sur
Big Sur faces recurring challenges including wildfires, smoke impacts, isolation during road closures, frequent power outages, and limited access to emergency services. CERT volunteers play a critical role in helping residents prepare for and respond to emergencies when outside assistance may be delayed.
This new grant will allow Big Sur CERT to:
Support Three CERT Courses
- Deliver three CERT trainings for local residents
- Provide updated, FEMA aligned curriculum
- Include bilingual instruction and accessibility adaptations
Improve Training Materials and Logistics
- Refresh manuals, equipment, and instructional tools
- Provide necessary supplies for hands on practice
- Strengthen coordination between CERV, CERT leadership, and community partners
Expand Preparedness Education
- Develop multilingual materials focused on readiness, evacuation, and hazard awareness
- Support outreach to residents with access and functional needs
These improvements will help ensure that both new and returning CERT volunteers receive high quality, accessible, and culturally appropriate training.
A Shared Commitment to Community Safety
The Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop has a long history of supporting local organizations that strengthen community resilience. Their investment in Big Sur CERT enhances preparedness for more than 1,800 residents throughout the Big Sur region.
About Big Sur CERT
Big Sur CERT is a grassroots volunteer network dedicated to building community resilience in a geographically isolated and high risk region. CERT members help neighbors prepare for and respond to wildfires, power outages, road closures, storms, landslides, and other emergencies.
Trainings focus on:
- Fire safety
- Disaster medical operations
- Light search and rescue
- Evacuation and communication readiness
- Community preparedness planning
This grant helps ensure Big Sur CERT members remain trained, equipped, and ready to assist the community.
CERV’s Role
CERV serves as the fiscal sponsor for Big Sur CERT and supports the team through:
- Administrative and logistical coordination
- Procurement and management of training materials
- Multilingual and culturally tailored outreach
- Support for CERT courses, simulations, and community education
This award represents an important step toward strengthening emergency readiness and helping Big Sur’s residents prepare for future hazards.
