Point Pleasant Borough Office of Emergency Management
CERT - THEN AND NOW
The CERT concept dates back to 1985 when the Los Angeles Fire Department recognized that in the early stages of 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 that 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 responders.
During the 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.
ABOUT CERT TRAINING
The CERT training consists of 20 hours of instruction over an 8 week period. Classes are taught by emergency responders including firefighters, emergency medical, and law enforcement personnel from your community.
The course includes the following:
Session 1 - Disaster PreparednessIntroduction to disasters specific to the community and the impact of disaster on infrastructure
Session 2 - Disaster Fire SuppressionIdentifying and reducing potential fire hazards and basic fire suppression
Session 3 - Disaster Medical OperationsTreatment strategies for life-threatening conditions and principles of triage
Session 4 - cont. Disaster Medical OperationsHead to toe patient assessment and treatment for various injuries
Session 5 - Light Search & Rescue OperationsTechniques for sizing up and searching, lifting, cribbing, and removing victims; rescue safety
Session 6 - Disaster Psychology & Team OrganizationThe post-disaster emotional environment will be discussed. CERT organization, decision making, and documentation
Session 7 - Terrorism A brief overview of terrorism weapons. Identifying targets in an area and discuss time/distance/shielding
Session 8 - Final ExerciseDisaster simulation realistic to your community
Training courses, student materials and equipment are provided free of charge.
ABOUT CERT TRAINING
The CERT training consists of 20 hours of instruction over an 8 week period. Classes are taught by emergency responders including firefighters, emergency medical, and law enforcement personnel from your community.
The course includes the following:
Session 1 - Disaster Preparedness
Introduction to disasters specific to the community and the impact of disaster on infrastructure
Session 2 - Disaster Fire Suppression
Identifying and reducing potential fire hazards and basic fire suppression
Session 3 - Disaster Medical Operations
Treatment strategies for life-threatening conditions and principles of triage
Session 4 - cont. Disaster Medical Operations
Head to toe patient assessment and treatment for various injuries
Session 5 - Light Search & Rescue Operations
Techniques for sizing up and searching, lifting, cribbing, and removing victims; rescue safety
Session 6 - Disaster Psychology & Team Organization
The post-disaster emotional environment will be discussed. CERT organization, decision making, and documentation
Session 7 - Terrorism
A brief overview of terrorism weapons. Identifying targets in an area and discuss time/distance/shielding
Session 8 - Final Exercise
Disaster simulation realistic to your community
Training courses, student materials and equipment are provided free of charge.
ROLE OF CERTs IN AN EMERGENCYThe Point Pleasant Borough CERT is utilized to:
- Staff our Emergency Operations Center and monitor events.
- Set up and staff temporary shelters during Hurricanes, Blizzards, and other storms.
- Manage "spontaneous/convergent" volunteers.
- Assist with Evacuations.
- Assist Point Boro EMS with firefighter REHAB and Mass Casualty Response.
- Assist OEM and Point Pleasant Police with roadway closures for storms.
- Provide Basic First Aid and Rescue when requested.
- Assist Red Cross and other relief organizations in mass care.
- Work as part of R.AC.E.S-RACES stands for "Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service,"
- Assist with Missing Person Searches.
WHEN DOES CERT MEET?
The Point Pleasant CERT convenes every second Tuesday of the month at the Point Pleasant Municipal Building located at 2233 Bridge Ave, Point Pleasant NJ, 08742. To become a member, kindly visit our "join now" page!
ROLE OF CERTs IN AN EMERGENCY
The Point Pleasant Borough CERT is utilized to:
- Staff our Emergency Operations Center and monitor events.
- Set up and staff temporary shelters during Hurricanes, Blizzards, and other storms.
- Manage "spontaneous/convergent" volunteers.
- Assist with Evacuations.
- Assist Point Boro EMS with firefighter REHAB and Mass Casualty Response.
- Assist OEM and Point Pleasant Police with roadway closures for storms.
- Provide Basic First Aid and Rescue when requested.
- Assist Red Cross and other relief organizations in mass care.
- Work as part of R.AC.E.S-RACES stands for "Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service,"
- Assist with Missing Person Searches.
WHEN DOES CERT MEET?
The Point Pleasant CERT convenes every second Tuesday of the month at the Point Pleasant Municipal Building located at 2233 Bridge Ave, Point Pleasant NJ, 08742. To become a member, kindly visit our "join now" page!
Community Emergency Response Team
Community Emergency Response Team
About the CERT Program
About the CERT Program
