The Highlands Neighborhood Network

Are You Ready for the "Big One"?

We all know we live in "Earthquake Country." While it’s been decades since the 6.7 Northridge or 7.0 Loma Prieta quakes, history warns us of much larger events—like the 7.9 magnitude San Francisco quake of 1906. To put that in perspective, a magnitude 8.0 earthquake is 10 times stronger than a 7.0.

Would the Highlands be ready for an 8.0? The honest truth is that no community is ever fully prepared for every consequence. However, we can bridge the gap between "hoping for the best" and "being ready to act" by using the resources we have right here in our neighborhood.

Introducing the Highlands Neighborhood Network (HNN)

The mission of CERT is to build the technological and social infrastructure that allows Highlands residents to support one another during a disaster. This year, we are launching our most critical initiative yet: The Highlands Neighborhood Network (HNN).

In a major emergency, the biggest challenge is information. How do we rapidly assess the status of all 800 homes in the Highlands?

• The Backbone: The Highlands Community Association (HCA) is revitalizing its network of 20 Area Representatives.

• The Strategy: HCA and CERT are partnering to train these reps to be the communications lifeline for our community.

• The Support: Because one person cannot realistically check 40 homes, CERT is recruiting 2–3 residents in every area to form the HNN.

Why Join HNN?

You don’t need to be a "prepper" or even have completed the 20-hour CERT Basic Training to make a difference. HNN is designed to be high-impact but low-effort, allowing you to help directly from your own home.

Help Us Map the Need

By joining HNN, you become the eyes and ears of your street. You help us load-share the work of identifying who is safe and who needs immediate medical or fire assistance. This simple communication tree could be the difference-maker when the "Big One" hits.

Will you help the Highlands prepare? Whether it’s a wildfire, a windstorm, or a major earthquake, we are stronger when we are connected. Email highlandscert.help@gmail.com to get involved.