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ABOUT THE CERT PROGRAM
During his 2002 State of the Union Address, President Bush asked Americans to volunteer their services in order to improve and safeguard their country. Harnessing the spirit of cooperation that developed as a result of the tragic events of September 11th, he created the Citizen Corps Program to organize volunteer services in the areas of crime, natural disasters and terrorism. The Community Emergency Response Team or (CERT) is a part of the Citizen Corps Program.
CERT – THEN AND NOW
The CERT concept dates back to 1985, when the Los Angeles Fire Department recognized that in the early stages of a disaster – earthquakes in particular – local emergency responders would be overwhelmed, and basic training in disaster survival and rescue skills would improve the ability of community members to survive until responders or other assistance arrived.
Recognizing the universal value of this program, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) worked in conjunction with the LAFD to make the CERT program applicable to all types of hazards and developed a CERT training program which could be used nationwide and adapted to meet local conditions when the need arose.
The tragic events of September 11 remind us that disaster can strike anywhere or anytime, and that basic safety and disaster survival skills can mean the difference between life and death. CERT training empowers community members to prepare responsibly and respond appropriately when emergencies occur.
WHAT CERT TEAMS DO
CERT members give critical support to first responders in emergencies, provide immediate assistance to victims, organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site, and collect disaster intelligence to support first responder efforts.
ABOUT CERT TRAINING
If you join a CERT, you will receive basic-level training in the following areas:
- Basic First Aid
- Family Disaster Preparedness
- Disaster Fire Suppression
- Medical Operations
- CERT Operations
- Disaster Mental Health
- Basic Emergency Management
- Disaster Simulation -- Skills Review
Total training is usually about 18 hours, scheduled in 2-4 hour modules, over a period of weeks or months, in order to address the scheduling needs of team members. It's held in the community where you live.
Training courses, student materials and equipment are provided free of charge.
If you are an individual looking to join a local CERT Team, contact your municipal emergency management coordinator to see if the program is already active in your community, or if a CERT program is being developed. Contact phone numbers for Camden County CERT are listed below.
STARTING
A CERT PROGRAM IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Interest in CERT is sparked in many ways. Municipal Emergency Management Coordinators should first design a CERT program for their municipality and then recruit volunteers.
Sometimes existing organizations - civic associations, Neighborhood Watch Groups, parent-teach associations, etc. - will express an interest in expanding the group's mission to include the formation of a CERT Team. Some municipalities have disbanded their Auxiliary Police Units in favor of a CERT Program. Any activity involving a CERT should be coordinated with the local emergency management office.
To establish a CERT, follow these steps:
- Identify persons who may be interested in joining a CERT.
- Identify a local municipal official to assist and oversee the formation of the CERT Program. Contact the Camden County CERT Coordinator to enroll in a CERT T-T-T Program and to insure coordination of equipment and other materials.
- Define the CERT's mission, organization and purpose. This is very important. The CERT members must receive training appropriate to their mission and purpose.
- Obtain resources needed to support the CERT, including instructors for various topics and equipment required to safely support the team's mission.
- Schedule and conduct training for CERT members.
- Offer continuing education, skills review, and emergency management exercises for CERT team members.
- Continuously recruit for new team members, conduct team oversight and program maintenance.
SUPPORT
AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL CERT PROGRAMS
In order to establish a CERT, the municipal emergency management coordinator, or designee, must attend the CERT Train-the-Trainer Program offered through the NJOEM Emergency Management Bureau. The CERT T-T-T is intended for individuals who will lead or coordinate a CERT Program, not for individual team members.
Contact
Phone Numbers
Jason Vilardo
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(609) 929-9604
David Washick
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(856) 432-8836
(856) 783-4808 ext. 5409