Community Emergency Response Team

What is CERT? Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) are formed by trained volunteers from a neighborhood or workplace who want to be better prepared for the hazards and emergencies which threaten their communities.

CERT in Indiana CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Disaster Preparedness 1-2 Indiana CERT began in 2001 Community Emergency Response Teams in Indiana: 48 Individuals who have completed CERT basic training: 3,668

Where Does CERT Fit in? Fire EMSLaw Enforcement Local Responders CERT CERT is supplementary to emergency responders.

What Can CERT Do? Support first responders on scene during or after an emergency/disaster, including: Earthquakes, Fires, Floods, Man-made disasters Search operations Educate their communities on the importance of emergency preparation.

What CERT Cannot Do ● CERTs Do Not:  Suppress large fires;  Enter structures that they consider heavily damaged and dangerous;  Perform hazardous materials cleanup;  Perform medical, fire, or search and rescue operations beyond their level of training;  Activate or deploy unless called for in their procedures.

Basic CERT Equipment ● Helmet ● Goggles ● N95 Mask ● Gloves (work and non-latex) ● Sturdy shoes or work boots

Preparing for an Emergency ● Learn about community alerts, warnings, and evacuation routes. ● Take training. ● Know local hazards, alerts, warning systems, evacuation routes, and sheltering plans. ● Establish a family disaster plan:  Address specific needs for yourself and people you know. ● Practice skills and disaster plans. ● Network and help others. ● Give feedback to community. ● Report suspicious activity. ● Volunteer.

Developing an Emergency Plan ● Key Questions to Consider:  Where will you meet family members?  Who is your out-of-state “check-in” contact?  Will you have an extended stay? Shelter in place? Evacuate?  How will you escape your home? Workplace? School? Place of worship?  What route (and several alternates) will you use to evacuate your neighborhood?  Do you have transportation?  Did you practice your plan?

CERT Emergency Response ● Protect family and personal safety first. ● Respond in period immediately after a disaster. ● Assist emergency response personnel when requested. ● Respond after a disaster:  Locate and turn off utilities, if safe;  Extinguish small fires;  Treat injuries;  Conduct light search and rescue;  Help to relieve survivor stress.

Legal Protection for Disaster Workers ● CERT members are generally protected by:  “Good Samaritan” laws Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 Indiana Code

Non-Emergency Roles ● CERTs are not limited to only emergency response, they can provide many other valuable services to their communities:  Traffic control  Distributing smoke alarms  Promote community awareness of potential hazards and preparedness measures;  Supplement staffing at special events, such as parades;

Get Involved ● Preparedness requires active participation from all:  Talk to friends and family about hazards;  Ask about emergency planning outside the home;  Make sure those in charge have a plan. ● Training provides skills needed to help others and keeps skills current:  CERT program provides training, practice, and connection to others;  Participate in drills and exercises;  Talk to friends and family about volunteering.