The City of Twentynine Palms has responded to emergencies in the past and is ready to respond in the future. In the early hours of October 16, 1999, the City was shaken by the Hector Mine Earthquake registering a magnitude of 7.1. Although there turned out to be little damage, it was a good test of the City's emergency response. Department heads were at their posts within a short time and activated the Emergency Operations Center. The County Emergency Operations Center was contacted through the use of amateur radio operators. City staff passed on information to the County and handled questions from local and Los Angeles media.

The City is an active member of the Morongo Basin Emergency Preparedness committee and the San Bernardino County Operational Area for emergencies. Each year the City participates in drills either within the Morongo Basin or with County or state-wide coordination. In addition, Staff have attended emergency training courses at the California Specialized Training Institute in San Luis Obispo and local training.

Each City employee is required to complete at least two online training courses through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Department heads are required to complete three more advanced courses.

Read more >> Emergency Operations Plan, City of Twentynine Palms

 Family Disaster Guide, San Bernardino County 2009

 Pet Disaster Guide, ASPCA & Dept. of Homeland Security 2009

 Natural Disaster Food Safety Guide, SB County OES, March 2011

 Would you be ready to ride it out if an earthquake hit today? SB County Fire Dept. news release, March 14, 2011

CERT Program Volunteers

The San Bernardino County Fire Department / Office of Emergency Services (OES) has launched the first CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Newsletter. "Volunteers are an important part of building strong communities that are prepared for the inevitability of disasters, which can strike at any time," said Board of Supervisors Chairman Gary Ovitt. "Your participation in the CERT program helps ensure the readiness for yourself, your family, and your neighborhood."

 Click here to see the newsletter (Adobe PDF format) >>