The Full Story
Who we are
BayCERT is a unified Community Emergency Response Team serving the cities around south east Harris county, working together to build a stronger, more resilient region. For twenty years, our volunteers have trained, prepared, and deployed to support local emergency managers and help communities withstand and recover from disasters.
Founded in 2006, BayCERT has grown from three independent city teams into a coordinated regional organization known for professionalism, readiness, and a commitment to service.
2026 marks our 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of volunteer-driven impact across the Bay Area.
Our mission
BayCERT’s mission is to train, equip, and coordinate highly qualified CERT volunteers who can be rapidly deployed to support communities before, during, and after disasters and emergencies. We strengthen regional resilience by ensuring our members are prepared, capable, and ready to serve across a wide range of emergency management needs.
Our vision
BayCERT envisions a region where communities are supported by skilled, organized CERT volunteers who enhance resilience, reduce harm, and provide trusted assistance across all phases of disaster and emergency response.
What we do
CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) is a national program that trains residents in disaster preparedness and basic emergency response. BayCERT members learn skills in medical operations, search and rescue, fire suppression, disaster psychology, and team organization. When emergencies occur, CERT volunteers provide immediate assistance to victims, support first responders, and help coordinate spontaneous volunteers.
BayCERT works directly with the Seabrook, La Porte, and Harris Country Offices of Emergency Management, ensuring our training, deployments, and community outreach align with local needs.
Our impact
Over the past 20 years, BayCERT volunteers have supported the region through hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, and large-scale community events. Highlights include:
Hurricane Beryl (2024): BayCERT staffed a Point of Distribution (POD) and cooling center, helping residents access water, supplies, and safe shelter during extreme heat.
Pasadena Tornadoes (2023): BayCERT volunteers assisted with damage assessment, community support, and coordination with local emergency managers.
Hurricane Ike (2008): Volunteers supported aid distribution centers and POD operations.
Major Apartment Fires: BayCERT assisted with shelter management during the Emerald Shores and La Maison apartment fires.
Community Support: Volunteers have provided traffic control, police dispatch assistance, and support for numerous city events and emergency operations.
Training & meetings
BayCERT hosts monthly meetings covering topics such as CPR, traffic control, emergency animal care, ICS operations, and disaster readiness. Guest speakers from professional emergency response agencies help ensure our volunteers receive high-quality, real-world training.
Get involved
BayCERT is always looking for dedicated volunteers who want to make a difference. Whether you’re new to emergency preparedness or an experienced responder, we’ll help you find a role that fits your skills and interests. Join us as we continue building a safer, stronger, and more resilient Bay Area.