From a CERT perspective, the two most important features of Battalion 4 are the two airports, LAX and SMO. I think SMO is the proper abbreviation. LAX is both a target of attack and a huge resource for in bound supply. SMO is probably a less likely target, but due to SM EVAC (Emergency Volunteer Air Corps) is highly important as a dedicated emergency air hub. It has supply containers and a ham radio corps. Next most important is Loyola Marymount University. Not only is it a large physical plant with great resources it has an on-site emergency team and is site to a much needed radio transmitter. The transmitter occupies a strategic high point and can be a quality repeater. John Beckwith, of both CERT and ACS, is an employee at LMU and is deeply involved in their disaster plans.

Venice Beach would be the most important natural feature. It has the largest crowds and is the site of a great number of LAFD and LAPD runs during hot weather. There is a slight, and overly feared risk of tsunami impact and a much more real risk of storm damage. The other beaches along the frontage are also of concern. Hyperion Sewage Treatment Plant is in our boundaries. It has CERT workers of its own and is a concern during emergencies. We border Culver City, Santa Monica, Inglewood, Marina del Rey and El Segundo. Each of these cities poses mutual aid challenges and potentials in the event of natural disaster, each hosts at least one potential site for attack as well. Our battalion also has a number of ethnic communities, especially well established Asian and Latino communities. Of course, since we are part of the Westside there are a great deal of other ethnic enclaves including Native Americans and African Americans.

Battalion 4 Fire Stations: 5, 51, 62, 63, 67, 80, 95

The Battalion 4 Coordinators are Carl Ginsberg, Nick Hippisley-Coxe and Chris Nevil.