February 2026 Press Release

STCEVC Strengthens Community Preparedness and Response Capabilities

The South Tillamook County Emergency Volunteer Corps (STCEVC) is proud to

share significant progress in building emergency preparedness infrastructure and

fostering community resilience across the coastal region. STCEVC is a volunteer-

driven organization dedicated to preparing South Tillamook County communities for

natural disasters and emergencies. Through strategic partnerships, dedicated

volunteers, and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, the

organization provides critical resources and coordination to help coastal residents

prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.

STCEVC has made substantial strides in establishing emergency supply stations

throughout the region. The organization has completed construction of six

emergency supply sheds. Each shed is now stocked with comprehensive 24-hour

and 96-hour emergency supply kits, ensuring communities have immediate access

to critical resources during disasters.

A robust emergency communications system has been established, with volunteers

from Neskowin, Pacific City, and Tierra Del Mar participating in monthly radio tests.

This network ensures reliable communication channels remain operational even

when conventional systems fail during emergencies.

CERT Program

South Tillamook County’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) has had

a very productive year. Operating under the authority of the Nestucca Rural Fire

Protection District (NRFPD), CERT is a volunteer organization trained in disaster

preparedness to support NRFPD operations. There are currently 20 active CERT

members in South Tillamook County. Over the past year, we have conducted two

CERT Academies with instruction provided by the NRFPD. These sessions covered

disaster preparedness, fire safety, CPR and First Aid, traffic and crowd control, and

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Search and Rescue drills. Our volunteers also provided traffic control during the Dory

Days and Clover’s Day parades and shared emergency planning information at

several community events. Most recently, CERT was activated by the NRFPD to

support potential flooding efforts during a storm.

In the new year we will continue to advance our First Aid and Search and Rescue

skills and participate in several of the upcoming NRFPD drills including FireFighter

Rehab, rope rescue training and drone training. We meet for training and drills with

the NRFPD on the third Tuesday of every month at 6 PM at the Hebo Fire Station. All

are welcome to attend. For additional information you can contact CERT at

rlw2310@gmail.com.

“Our volunteers are the backbone of community preparedness in South Tillamook

County,” said Amanda Graves. “From building emergency infrastructure to

responding to actual emergencies, STCEVC members are committed to ensuring our

coastal communities can weather any storm.” Community members interested in

learning more about STCEVC, joining CERT training, or volunteering can find

information on our new website at SouthTillamookCountyVolunteers.com (still under

construction).

Volunteers have demonstrated their commitment to community safety through active

participation in local events, including: providing traffic control for the Cloverdale

Days and Dory Days parades, staffing information booths at community gatherings,

including both parades, Neskowin and Pacific City Farmers Markets, and the Tierra

Del Mar Labor Association Meeting, participation in monthly county-wide TC4

(Tillamook County Collaborating for Community Capacity) meetings, as well as

presenting at neighborhood association meetings throughout the region, including

Neskowin, Pacific Seawatch, Pacific City Heights, Pacific City Chamber, and Tierra

Del Mar association.