What is a CERT and how can it help in an emergency?
CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team. When a disaster happens, this team of local volunteers is ready to step up and aid in response and recovery, but they can also be invaluable in emergency preparedness. With proper training, a CERT can be essential when disaster strikes, supporting emergency services with triage, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, and much more.
CERTs are a powerful resource in times of crisis.
Every CERT member, trainer, and director has a vital part to play in keeping citizens and families safe and healthy. Is there a need for a CERT in your community? Read on for practical steps to get started.
- Identify your CERT’s goals. Who will serve as members and who will train them? When will the CERT launch?
- Think about local hazards. What type of disasters or emergencies might occur? Wildfires? Tornadoes? Snow and ice storms? Mass attacks or active threat events? Use the results of this assessment to drive training and recruitment efforts.
- Decide on required resources. How much funding is needed and where will it come from? This can include the number of trainers and marketing costs to physical needs such as volunteer t-shirts, team ID badges, and first aid kits. Engage elected and appointed officials.
- Register your CERT on FEMA’s Citizen Responder Program registration website. The resources available there can help with team management and creating and maintaining a training framework.
- Use FEMA’s CERT training schedule and materials. FEMA’s IS-317.A: Introduction to Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) is a free, independent study course for those interested in learning about the CERT program. It can also serve as a prerequisite for completing the CERT Basic Training.
QuickSeries supports CERTs across the nation with our CERT Field Operations Guide and CERT Companion Guide for Advanced Operations. These compact guides slide easily into a go-bag and provide updated, trusted content in the field to help CERTs administer life-saving support to those in need. Contact us today for samples and to discuss how we can help boost your CERT program’s success.