Starting a CERT program in your community
Abstract
During a disaster, emergency services are oftentimes pushed to their limits. People have to rely on each other for help in order to meet immediate life saving and life sustaining needs. By having a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in place so that they are an extension of first responder services, direct help can be offered to victims until professional services arrive. CERT training is in needed life saving competencies with emphasis on decision-making skills, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number. This effective practice excerpts materials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.Issue
Having enough citizens trained to deal with life threatening emergencies during times of disaster can be just one of many challenges for communities.Action
A Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) requires a partnership between community members and local government emergency management and response agencies. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends the following steps to start a CERT:- Identify the program goals your CERT will meet and the resources available to conduct the program in your area. There are a variety of local approaches to funding. Some communities build costs into their budget while others charge participants to cover costs for instructors and course materials. One state offers grants to communities to get the program started. In a few communities, CERT organizations have formed 501(c)3 organization for nonprofit status. This allows them to engage in fundraising.
- Gain approval from appointed and elected officials to use CERT as a means to prepare citizens to care for themselves during a disaster when services may not be adequate.
- Identify and recruit potential participants. Ideal candidates for CERT are community groups, business and industry workers, and local government workers.
- Train a CERT instructor cadre. The CERT course is delivered in the community by a team of first responders who have the requisite knowledge and skills to instruct the sessions. It is suggested that the instructors complete a CERT Train-the-Trainer (TTT) conducted by their State Training Office for Emergency Management or the Emergency Management Institute in order to learn the proper training techniques.
- Conduct CERT sessions. The CERT training for community groups is usually delivered in 2 1/2 hour sessions, one evening a week over a seven-week period.
- Conduct refresher training and exercises. When participants have completed this training, it is important to keep them involved and practiced in their skills. Trainers should offer periodic refresher sessions to reinforce the basic training. CERT teams can sponsor events such as drills, picnics, neighborhood clean up, and disaster education fairs which will keep them involved and trained.
- CERT members should receive recognition for completing their training. Communities may issue ID cards, vests, and helmets to graduates.
- First responders need to be educated about the CERT and their value to the community.
- Use CERT as a component of the response system when there are exercises for potential disasters.
Context
The Federal Emergency Management Agency supports CERT by conducting or sponsoring Train-the-Trainer trainings for members of the fire, medical, and emergency management community. The objectives of the TTT are to prepare attendees to promote this training in their community, conduct TTT's at their location, conduct training sessions for neighborhood, business and industry, and government groups, and organize teams with which first responders can interface following a major disaster.
FEMA is an independent agency of the federal government, reporting to the President. Since it began in 1979, the mission of FEMA has been to reduce loss of life and property and protect the nation's critical infrastructure from all types of hazards through a comprehensive, risk-based, emergency management program of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
Outcome
Through training, citizens can manage utilities and put out small fires; treat airway obstruction, control bleeding, and treat victims for shock; provide basic medical aid; search for and rescue victims safely; and organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers to be effective.
CERT members are a potential volunteer pool for the community. They can help with special projects like distributing preparedness material, staffing medical booths during special events, and assisting with installation of smoke alarms for seniors or special needs households. Some CERT members have sought additional training opportunities in shelter management, community relations, and donations management.
Evidence
Over 300 communities (2003) have listed their program on the CERT web site under the Directory of CERT Programs by state. To see if one is in your state or community, visit https://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/.Posted On
August 21, 2003Related Practices
Related sites
Federal Emergency Management Agency