With over 30 years of experience in disaster response and recovery, US Ecology is a trusted emergency response partner to customers in a variety of industries. Our seasoned crews have supported response and recovery efforts in the aftermath of some of the most devastating disasters in recent history. While mobilization time of appropriate resources is critical to respond to an event quickly and effectively, the key to limiting operational interruptions and damage to your assets is what you do to prepare before a disaster. Customers across all industry sectors have utilized US Ecology’s expertise and proven strategies to be prepared ahead of storm season with emergency response plans and proactive protection of assets and buildings.
We pride ourselves in giving back to the communities in which we live, work and play. And as an industry leader offering customers innovative solutions, we believe in sharing our knowledge and expertise to increase awareness and preparedness for disasters that can strike anytime, and partner with organizations that share our values to achieve this goal.
Founded by FEMA, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a program whose mission is to empower individuals with the knowledge necessary to promote resiliency in their community through preparedness, response and recovery. A key element is the education of people on disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area. CERT provides training for basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members are also encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.
As part of their outreach program, CERT organizes an annual Rodeo event for Community Volunteers in Houston, TX. This year it was hosted by the Harris County Homeland Security Office of Emergency Management in collaboration with the Harris County Citizen Corps. Every year, teams from around the county come to the CERT Rodeo and put their strategic skills to the test rotating around different scenarios that include hazardous material identification, triage, medical operations, fire suppression and several more. This event is attended by representatives from local jurisdictions including county officials, emergency managers, disaster managers, and fire and hazardous material experts.
US Ecology fosters a culture of giving back, and many of our team members dedicate their time to volunteering within their communities. Christian Bonilla, one of US Ecology’s Regional Environmental Health and Safety Specialists, has been a volunteer with the Harris County Homeland Security Office of Emergency Management as a bilingual Community Emergency Response Team Instructor and Facilitator for many years. He volunteered his time at the CERT Rodeo to educate citizens in disaster preparedness strategies on behalf of US Ecology. We are proud to have sponsored a booth offering resources and expertise, as well as provided monetary support to further CERT’s mission this year and beyond. By contributing to volunteer and learning programs such as the CERT Rodeo, US Ecology continues to hold true to our mission of protecting human health and the environment.
