Unit Objectives  Describe the types of hazards to which your community is vulnerable.  Describe the functions of CERTs.  Identify preparedness steps.

Preparing for a Disaster CERTs should prepare by:  Identifying potential hazards in their homes and workplaces.  Reducing hazards, where possible.  Developing a disaster supply kit.

Responding To a Disaster CERTs should respond by:  Locating and turning off utilities, if safe.  Extinguishing small fires.  Treating injuries.  Conducting light search and rescue.  Helping to relieve survivor stress.

Nondisaster CERT Roles CERT members can:  Distribute preparedness materials.  Staff first aid booths at special events.  Assist with installation of smoke alarms.

Citizen Corps  The President has encouraged Americans to volunteer to improve and safeguard the nation.  Areas of emphasis for volunteer efforts:  Crime  Natural Disasters  Terrorism

Additional CERT Training Opportunities  Shelter management  Community relations  Donations management  Special needs concerns  Debris removal  Utilities control  Advanced first aid  Automated External Defibrillator use  CPR Skills

Course Preview The scope of this course includes:  Fire safety.  Disaster medical operations.  Light search and rescue.  CERT organization.  Disaster psychology.  CERTs and terrorism.

Types of Disasters  Natural  Manmade  Technological

Key Elements of Disasters  They are relatively unexpected.  Emergency personnel may be overwhelmed.  Lives, health, and the environment are endangered.

Effects on Infrastructure Damage to transportation:  Inability to assess damage accurately  Ambulances prevented from reaching victims  Police prevented from reaching areas of civil unrest  Fire departments prevented from getting to fires  Interruption to the flow of needed supplies

Effects on Infrastructure Damage to structures:  Damaged hospitals unable to function normally  Increased risk of damage from falling debris

Effects on Infrastructure Disrupted communication:  Victims unable to call for help  Coordination of services hampered

Effects on Infrastructure Damage to utilities:  Loss of utilities  Increased risk of fire or electrical shock  Loss of contact between victims and service providers  Inadequate water supply  Increased risk to public health

Effects on Infrastructure Damage to fuel supplies:  Increased risk of fire or explosion from fuel line rupture  Risk of asphyxiation

Hazards From Home Fixtures  Gas line ruptures from displaced water heaters or ranges  Damage from falling books, dishes, and other cabinet contents  Electric shock from displaced appliances  Fire from faulty wiring, overloaded plugs, or frayed electric cords

Personal Safety Personal safety measures vary depending on:  The type of event.  The amount of warning available.  Location during the event (i.e., inside, outside, driving).

Home/Workplace Preparedness  Structural and nonstructural hazard mitigation  Individual preparedness:  Assemble disaster supplies.  Develop a disaster plan.  Develop a safe room.

Sample Structural Hazard Mitigation  Bolt older houses to the foundations.  Strap propane tanks.  Raise utilities.  Strap mobile homes to their slabs.  Ask a professional to check foundation, roof connectors, chimney, etc.

Sample Nonstructural Hazard Mitigation  Anchor heavy furniture.  Secure appliances and office equipment.  Secure cabinet doors with childproof fasteners.  Locate and label gas, electricity, and water shutoffs.  Secure water heaters and have flexible gas lines installed.

The EOP  Assigns responsibility to organizations and individuals  Sets forth lines of authority  Describes how people and property will be protected  Identifies personnel, equipment, facilities, supplies, and other resources

CERTs in a Disaster Setting  Assist first responders when requested  Initially assume many of the same functions as response personnel when necessary until help arrives:  Fire safety  Light search and rescue  Disaster medical operations

Unit Summary  CERTs are among a variety of agencies and personnel who cooperate to provide assistance in the aftermath of a disaster.  CERTs have proven themselves invaluable in the areas in which they were tested.  CERTs have become a key component of the Citizen Corps program.

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Visual 1.24 Citizen Corps Mission To have everyone in America participate in making themselves, our communities, and our nation safer We all have a role in hometown security a personal responsibility to be prepared; to get training in first aid and emergency skills; and to volunteer to support local emergency responders, disaster relief, and community safety.

Visual 1.25 In 95% of all emergencies, bystanders or victims themselves are the first to provide emergency assistance or to perform a rescue Los Angeles Fire Department The Need to be Ready

Visual firefighter for every 265 people 1.1 million firefighters – 750,000 volunteer 1 sworn officer for every 334 people 436,000 sworn law enforcement personnel 291,000 sworn sheriff’s office personnel 1 EMT/paramedic for every 325 people 890,000 all levels of pre-hospital services: basic EMT, intermediate EMT, paramedic First Responders Per Capita Journal of Emergency Medical Services (2004); National Fire Protection Association (2003); National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (2003)

Visual 1.27 National Citizen Corps Council American Public Affiliate Programs Are You Ready? Citizen Corps Council State Citizen Corps Councils Tribal / Local Citizen Corps Councils American Public Federal Partner Programs Affiliate Programs Citizen Preparedness ~ Training & Exercises ~ Volunteer Service Are You Ready? DHSDOJ/NSADOJ/IACPDHS/G&TDHHS/OSGDHS/USFA NVFC/IAFF/IAFC Office of Grants and Training

Visual 1.28 Citizen Corps Programs The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates and trains citizens in basic disaster response skills Fire Corps promotes the use of citizen advocates to provide support to fire and rescue departments The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Program helps medical, public health, and other volunteers offer their expertise Neighborhood Watch/USAonWatch incorporates terrorism awareness education into its existing crime prevention mission Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) works to enhance the capacity of state and local law enforcement to utilize volunteers

Visual 1.29 Citizen Corps Affiliates  Programs and organizations that provide: - materials and resources for public education or training; - volunteer service opportunities to support first responders, disaster relief activities, and community safety efforts; or - represent volunteers with an interest in homeland security  Coordination and mutual support of respective activities

Visual 1.30 Citizen Corps Affiliates

Visual 1.31 Citizen Corps Approach National network of state/local/tribal Citizen Corps Councils to: - tailor activities to the community - build on community strengths to develop and implement a local strategy for all to participate National Voice – National public awareness and media campaign

Visual 1.32 Citizen Corps Councils Membership  First responder/emergency management (law, fire, EMS/EMT, public works)  Volunteer community  Elected officials  Business leaders  School systems representatives  Transportation sector  Media executives  Minority and special needs representation  Leadership from community sub-structure

Visual 1.33 Citizen Corps Council s Responsibilities  Build on community strengths to develop strategic plans for the whole community, including special needs groups  Focus on public education, training, and volunteer opportunities for community and family safety  Ensure citizens are connected to emergency alert systems  Promote and oversee Citizen Corps programs  Provide opportunities for special skills and interests  Organize special projects/community events  Capture smart practices and report accomplishments

Visual 1.34 Citizen Corps Councils

Visual 1.35 Engaging the Public Citizen preparedness and participation may begin differently for each person. Taking Independent Action Training & Exercises Surge Capacity Volunteer Ad Hoc / Year Round Volunteer Aware of steps to take

Visual 1.36 Citizen Corps Local Strategy and Implementation Increased collaboration between government and community leaders. = x x PREPAREDCITIZENSPREPAREDCITIZENS + Terrorism Natural Hazards Household All Hazards Crime Public Health Medical Emergencies Technological Hazards Emergencies + Collaboration & Planning Public Ed & Outreach / Alerts-Warnings Training and Exercises Volunteer Opportunities (Year round and in crisis) SPECIALNEEDSSPECIALNEEDS Neighborhoods / HOAs Schools/Univ Places of worship Critical Infrastr Private Sector Public Sector Military Bases Recreation Shopping Malls Hospitality Transportation

Visual 1.37 Citizen Corps: Community Benefits  Greater sense of security, responsibility, and personal control  Builds community pride, unity and patriotism  Promotes risk reduction, mitigation, and preparedness practices  Prepares us all for helping others in a crisis

Visual 1.38 Citizen Corps: Benefits for Emergency Responders  Year round support through volunteer programs  Reduces burden on first responder services by promoting mitigation and preparedness measures  Creates well trained, better informed, and better prepared citizens to take care of themselves and others during times of crisis -- allowing first responders to address the most critical needs

Visual 1.39 National Citizen Corps Council Leaders of national organizations promote the Citizen Corps mission, foster collaboration, and support State, tribal, local levels. Subcommittees: - Emergency Management & Public Works - Emergency Medical and Public Health Services - Fire Service - Law Enforcement - Intergovernmental Organizations - Volunteer Service - Private Sector and Trade Associations - Disabilities Advocacy Organizations

Visual 1.40 Citizen Corps Councils Tribal/Local Citizen Corps Councils State Citizen Corps Councils National Citizen Corps Council Emergency Medical Law Enforcement Fire Service Volunteer Service Private Sector Intergovernmenta l Individuals with Disabilities Emergency Management

Visual 1.41 Citizen Corps in National Policy - Homeland Security Presidential Directive-8 (paragraphs 22 and 23) - National Preparedness Goal * Vision Statement * National Priorities - Target Capabilities List - State and Urban Strategies - Homeland Security Grant Program - Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program - National Response Plan

Visual 1.42 ER UNIVERSAL Prevent Protect Recover Respond VOLUNTEER Surge and Year Round RISK-BASED Community Preparedness and Participation TARGET CAPABILITIES: ER (Firefighters, Sworn Officers, EMT/Paramedics) < 1% US pop

Visual 1.43 Office of Community Preparedness 2006 Goals  AWARENESS: elevate understanding and call to action for community preparedness  PARTNERSHIPS: build and enhance relationships between government and non-governmental entities at all levels  DHS INTEGRATION: include community preparedness in all policy, guidance, and evaluations  TOOLS and BEST PRACTICES: technical assistance, products, and recognition to support Councils  ACCOUNTABILITY: to the American public  ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE: workforce, environment, and performance

Visual 1.44 What YOU Can Do  Be personally prepared.  Learn about your school / workplace / community emergency response plans.  Help form Citizen Corps Councils and start the programs in your community  Partner with volunteer organizations, first responder and emergency management leadership, elected leadership, private sector and educational groups  Help your neighbors and your community with public education, risk assessment, training, and volunteer participation  Mentor others

Visual Contact us at: Includes preparedness materials, information on programs and affiliates, and a listing of all Councils nationwide.

Visual 1.46 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Surgeon General Medical Reserve Corps 101

Visual 1.47 Learning Objectives  Describe the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) concept  Discuss how MRC units vary depending on the needs of the local community  Describe potential ways to get involved with local MRC units

Visual 1.48 Intended Audience Individuals interested in the MRC Medical and public health professionals Local government officials and other key stakeholder groups (e.g., hospital administrators and business leaders) Individuals interested in supporting community public health activities

Visual 1.49 MRC Vision A nationwide network of organized volunteers strengthening the health and safety of their communities

Visual 1.50 Mission of the Medical Reserve Corps The mission of the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is to improve the health and safety of communities across the country by organizing public health, medical and other volunteersMedical Reserve Corps (MRC)

Visual 1.51 MRC Concept Establish groups of volunteers with interest in strengthening local public health system and providing help in emergencies Organize/utilize locally Integrate with existing programs and resources Identify, credential, train and prepare in advance Include medical and public health professionals, and others

Visual 1.52 MRC Concept Foster Community Resiliency! –Get all response partners to the table with a common goal –Strengthening the “everyday” public health system will improve community preparedness Prepared Communities → Prepared States → Prepared Nation

Visual 1.53 History  Following 9-11 attacks  Thousands of unaffiliated volunteers show up at sites No way to ID or credential Not covered under liability laws No Incident Command System (ICS) trainingIncident Command System Difficult to manage  President George W. Bush 2002 State of the Union  Partner program with White House’s USA Freedom Corps and DHS’ Citizen CorpsUSA Freedom CorpsCitizen Corps

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Visual 1.55 MRC Program Office Housed in the Office of the Surgeon GeneralOffice of the Surgeon General Supports local efforts to establish, implement, and sustain MRC units nationwide Goals: 1.Providing effective national leadership and coordination 2.Promoting awareness and understanding of the critical role that MRC units play in communities across the nation 3.Enhancing the capacity of MRC units to achieve their local missions

Visual 1.56 Status - Current Local Units Visit the MRC website to find up-to-date information on the MRC unit in your community.

Visual 1.57 Status – Volunteer Numbers There are currently more than 120,000 MRC volunteers from a variety of health and medical professions, as well as other community volunteers (see chart below for volunteers according to professions):

Visual 1.58 How Can an MRC Benefit Your Community?  Resiliency – not as reliant on state and national resources  Meet identified health needs/gaps  Bolster public health and emergency response infrastructures  Give community members an opportunity to help make their communities healthier and safer  Provide mechanisms for information sharing and coordination between partner organizations  Allow for national recognition of local public health and emergency response efforts

Visual 1.59 MRC Models  No “typical” MRC  All MRC units:  Provide an organizational structure for managing and utilizing members  Pre-identify members  Screen members, including verification of professional licensure/certification  Train/prepare members  Units vary by:  Types/#s of volunteers  Sponsor organizations  Partner organizations  Mission/focus

Visual 1.60 Why Not One Model?  Local leaders determine the model that best fits their community needs  Population  Geography  Community government structure  Health needs  Other unique community factors  Differing laws and local government structure  one “size” does not fit all

Visual 1.61 Volunteers  Types/# of Volunteers - local decision based on local needs  May include those in training, in active practice, or retired  Medical and public health professionals  Persons with no health experience who can help with communications, administration, logistics, and other essential functions

Visual 1.62  Health Departments  Boards of Health  Medical Centers/Hospitals  Medical Societies  Emergency Management  Citizen Corps Councils  Police/Fire Departments  Volunteer Centers  Faith Based Organizations  Regional Planning Groups  Medical Societies  Non-Profit Community Organizations  Others … Sponsor Organizations

Visual 1.63  Health Departments  Boards of Health  Health Care Systems/Hospitals/Clinics  Medical Retiree Groups  Emergency Management  Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs)  Police and Fire Departments  Community-Based Disaster Groups  Healthcare Outreach Coalitions  Retired and Senior Volunteer Programs  Schools and Universities  Emergency Medical Services  Military Organizations/National Guard  Neighborhood Associations  City Attorney Offices  Local Businesses/Corporations  Others… Partners

Visual 1.64 Mission/Roles  We encourage MRC unit leaders and members to serve as “Ambassadors” of the U.S. Surgeon General (SG) …support SGs Priorities for Public HealthSGs Priorities for Public Health  Increase disease/injury prevention  Eliminate health disparities  Improve public health preparedness  Promote Health Literacy

Visual 1.65 Roles MRC members can have a profound impact on the health and safety of their community Examples:  Serve as MRC leaders  Provide medical care, administer vaccines and dispense medications  Provide health education as part of a local public health initiative  Provide counseling for victims, families and responders  Promote preparedness  Provide administrative, logistical and communications support

Visual 1.66 Recent MRC Activities: Support Existing Public Health Resources Natrona Co (WY) MRC – Firefighter Rehabilitation Trailer Ongoing. When the fire department is called out to a fire, the NCMRC follows the fire units out with their trailer. The NCMRC provides rehabilitation services to the fire fighters and medical support staff. Over the last year the NCMRC has responded with their trailer at least 5 times – once for an 8-day response to the Jackson Canyon Fire (expending over 339 volunteer man hours). Nebraska/ Western Iowa (NE) MRC - College World Series 2005 and Provided medical care during the both World Series events. Virginia Beach (VA) MRC – Flu Vaccination Clinic for Homeless 1/25 & 1/26. Virginia Beach Department of Human Services does a homeless Count each year in Virginia Beach. The VB Health Department asked the MRC to assist with the provision of flu shots to the homeless. Five MRC nurses were activated from 3pm- midnight on 1/25 and 8am- 11am on 1/26 to give flu shots and take blood pressure. Volunteers sometimes worked without heat in the three tents set-up for the event.

Visual 1.67 Recent MRC Activities: Support Existing Emergency Resources Bergen Co (NJ) MRC Point-of-Dispensing site TOPOFF 3. Volunteers, including pharmacists, participated in the POD activities for the TOPOFF 3 exercise. East Central Health District (GA) MRC – FAA Exercise. The scenario was that two planes collided on the runway and that the victims had fuel contamination. The ECHD MRC was called out in support of the NDMS unit during this exercise. MRC volunteers provided triage and treatment of victims. Albuquerque (NM) MRC – Evacuee Shelter – 2005 Hurricane Response. Volunteers performed a variety of roles – provided primary care triage, assisted with public health surveillance and epidemiology of patients, collected ongoing data regarding suspected infectious syndrome, as well as others.

Visual 1.68 Other Recent MRC Activities Visit the Did You Know section of the MRCDid You Know website to read more on recent activities MRC units have held to make a difference in their communities.

Visual 1.69 Ways to get involved  Volunteer  Partner  Establish

Visual 1.70 How To Volunteer with a Local MRC  Get in touch with local unit  If there is no unit in your area, talk to local leaders (i.e. health department, board of health or emergency management agency) about starting an MRC unit in your community

Visual 1.71 Finding A Local MRC Visit Find MRC UnitsFind MRC Units 2.Select a state and click Go…

Visual 1.72 Finding a Local MRC A list of units within that state will come up 4.Click on the unit name that you are interested in…

Visual 1.73 Finding a Local MRC Scroll through the page to view unit information, including contact information and a list of recent activities

Visual 1.74 How to Partner with a Local MRC  Contact the unit coordinator to learn what roles have already been identified for volunteers  Work with the local unit to determine how you can partner with the local unit  Additional types of volunteers would be needed, what training would be needed/could be provided  Other types of resources MRC may need  Incidents you may need MRC to respond to

Visual 1.75 How to Establish an MRC Unit  Determine/assess community needs  Partner with local key stakeholders to organize and establish an MRC unit that is right for your community  Consult the MRC Technical Assistance Series – a guide to get you startedMRC Technical Assistance Series  Talk with other MRC units in your region – they have valuable information on what is takes to start an MRC  Contact Regional and State MRC CoordinatorsRegionalState

Visual 1.76 Resources and Support Available  MRC Program Office  National website with message board and Promising Practices section and much more….  National Newsletter – MRC InFocusMRC InFocus  Technical Assistance Series Technical Assistance Series  National Leadership and Training Conference National Leadership and Training Conference  National topic-focused working groups  Outreach to national partner organizations NACCHO NALBOH MRC-TRAIN Others…  Regional Coordinators  Technical assistance by phone, , or in person  Newsletter Newsletter  Regional meetings  Other MRC Units  Statewide meetings  State Coordination

Visual 1.77 For More Information:  MRC Program Office: Tel. (301)  MRC Regional Coordinators:  MRC State Coordinators: