CERT

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), as a concept began as a program of the Los Angeles, California Fire Department in the middle and late 1980's born out of a need for more trained and organized citizens groups during earthquake disasters. FEMA made this training available nationally in 1993. Since this time, CERT programs have been established in more than 340 communities in 45 states.

In the months following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush launched USA Freedom Corps and Citizen Corps to help coordinate volunteer activities in our communities. These initiatives are intended:

• To build upon activities that may provide relief and assistance to emergency response agencies
• To provide an outlet for an increased number of citizens and businesses looking to become involved

Citizen Corps may include existing activities such as:

• CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) via Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• Neighborhood Watch Program via US Department of Justice (DOJ)
• Medical Reserve Corps via US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Local law enforcement has conducted successful neighborhood watch and other crime prevention programs for many years. Some communities have sponsored "Citizens Police Academies" or employ voluntary Auxiliary programs to perform duties not requiring sworn personnel. Flood prone areas can often form a small army of citizen corps for sandbagging operations.

Cities and Counties have been asked to consider creating Citizen Corps Councils for coordination at the local level. In December 2002, the State of Michigan created a Citizen Corps Council with advisory responsibility. There is an obvious push for government to enhance partnerships with the private sector as well as develop programs that tap into the wave of patriotism and volunteerism.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program helps train people to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities. When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community.  Click here to visit their website.

The CERT course is taught in the community by a trained team of first responders who have completed a CERT Train-the-Trainer course conducted by their state training office for emergency management, or FEMA's Emergency Management Institute (EMI), located in Emmitsburg, Maryland. CERT training includes disaster preparedness, disaster fire suppression, basic disaster medical operations, and light search and rescue operations.

Each CERT member completes 20 hours of training on disaster preparedness, basic disaster medical operations, fire safety, light search and rescue, and other essential topics. The training also includes a disaster simulation in which participants practice skills they learned throughout the course. In the event of an emergency, CERT members can provide immediate assistance to victims, assist in organizing spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site and provide critical support to first responders.

Over the next two years, the CERT program aims to double the number of participants, with over 400,000 individuals completing the 20 plus hours of training. Train-the-Trainer sessions will be held in all 56 states and territories over the next year to expand the program throughout the United States.

Who can take the training?

Naturals for the training are neighborhood organizations, communities of faith, school staff, workplace employees and other groups that come together regularly for a common purpose.

Why take the CERT training?

Local government prepares for everyday emergencies. However, there are emergencies and disaster that can overwhelm the community's immediate response capability. While adjacent jurisdictions, State and Federal resources can activate to help, there may be a delay for them getting to those who need help. The primary reason for CERT training is to give people the decision-making and physical skills to offer immediate assistance to family members, neighbors, and associates. While people will respond to others in need without the training, the goal of the CERT program is to help them do so effectively and efficiently without placing themselves in unnecessary danger.

What if I want to do more than just the basic training?

• CERT members may attend classes provided by the community agencies on animal care, special needs concerns, debris removal, utilities control, advanced first aid, Automatic External Defibrillator use, CPR skills, and others.
• 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.

How do I get Involved?

If you would like to become involved in CERT for Rochester Hills, please contact the Rochester Hills Sub Station at (248) 537-3530. You will be advised of requirements and the next training session.