1. Robert Cook, C ITY OF S AN M ATEO Margaret Romiti, C ITY OF C ONCORD STARTING a new CERT Program TAKING over a CERT Program RE-ENERGIZING your CERT Program June 30, 2015 1:00pm – 1:50pm

2. Program is driven by the NEEDS OF YOUR COMMUNITY.

3. Starting (or taking over) a Program Do what works best for your organization 1 Sponsoring Agency 2 Program Parameters 3Execution

4. Work closely with neighboring CERT programs Share resources  Facilities  Personnel  Equipment Swap ideas Apply for funding together Collaboration

5. Sponsoring Agency What’s in it for me? 1

6. Considerations Agency buy in Excellent public relations tool Community empowerment & involvement in public safety Resource allocation – Funding: how / who will pay for all of this? – Instructors: employees vs. volunteers – Facilities

7. Funding Short term – Collaboration with neighboring programs – Company match – Donations Long term – Partnerships – Fundraising – Grants

8. Instructors Employee vs. Volunteers – Back up instructors Vetting process – Background checks? Scheduling and tracking time Instructor evaluations

9. 2 Program Parameters Draft Program Plan – www.CitizenCorps.gov/CERTwww.CitizenCorps.gov/CERT

10. Fundamentals Set program goals and objectives Have a vision Policies and procedures (or revisit existing) Volunteer liability – Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Program Familiarize with CERT programs in your area for ideas Specific – Measurable – Attainable – Realistic - Timely

11. Why People Volunteer http://svee.hubpages.com/hub/10-Reasons-People-Volunteer 1.Have fun 2.Give back 3.Try new things 4.Build up their resume 5.Make a positive difference 6.Learn about different cultures 7.Have knowledge and experiences to share 8.Meet new people 9.Feel needed 10.Because they can!

12. Volunteers Orient / Train instructors – Core group Track Manage – Meet with regularly Retain – Empower – Create other safety messages/trainings

13. Procure & Managing Resources Storage Access Maintenance – Inventory

14. 3 Execution Make it happen!

15. Word of mouth Local newspaper or magazine City newsletters or website Fairs / Events Flyers at heavily frequented locations: – Library – Clinics – Schools – Community centers – Places of worship Social media: Nextdoor, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, pinterest, etc. Promote the Program! Contra Costa CERT brochure

16. Promoting CERT

17. Promoting with City Vehicles

18. Local Media

19. Class Logistics Training schedule – Make-up classes Facility Instructor(s) – Knowledgeable about the material Equipment Student manuals/materials

20. Training & Drills Collaboration – Shared resources = larger event – Allied Agencies (Health Dept) Skill stations vs. Scenario based – Location (parking, bathrooms, etc.) – Personnel (line vs vol.) Timeline for the day Frequency

21. Data Management Graduates Incompletes Call out list Maintaining contact with students – methods

22. Can your CERT program (personnel, activities or maintenance) be more efficient? … CONTINUALLY EVALUATE

23. Recognition “Thank You” Award milestones or prizes Honored before City Council, Law, Fire personnel Regular gatherings – Reunions – Potluck

24. ? But wait… What’s next? Be sure to build into your program parameters

25. What’s next? Refreshers vs. Advance Training – Refresher: review skills previous taught – Advance Training: new skills Organizing your neighborhood – Local leadership – Designate neighborhood boundaries – Training

26. Questions MARGARET ROMITI C ITY OF C ONCORD P OLICE D EPARTMENT Emergency & Volunteer Service Manager (925) 671-3184 margaretr@cpd.ci.concord.ca.us ROBERT COOK C ITY OF S AN M ATEO F IRE D EPARTMENT Fire Captain / Paramedic / CERT Program Coordinator (650) 522-7900 rcook@cityofsanmateo.org