Community Emergency Response Team
C.E.R.T. is offering a Disaster Preparedness Class on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 see attached flyer for more information.
The C.E.R.T. program provides participants with "hands-on" practical training that will enable them to effectively plan for and respond to an earthquake, or other emergencies in and around their neighborhood. C.E.R.T. is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number.
CERT was first established by the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1986. In 1993, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), using LAFD's model, began promoting nationwide use of the CERT concept. Since then, C.E.R.T. has been established in all 50 states.
Donations and Funding
The Grand Terrace CERT members are always actively seeking funding to pay for medical and emergency food supplies, training supplies, and a variety of other emergency preparedness materials. Click on the following links to view CERT's request for donations and treasurer's report.
CERT Request for Donations
CERT Treasurer's Report
Minutes from January 6th 2009 meeting
The Need for CERT Teams
Local government prepare for everyday emergencies. However, during a disaster, the number and scope of incidents can overwhelm conventional emergency services. Fire and Police personnel will be unable to provide services to all those that need assistance. Community members face a tremendous responsibility for the safety and welfare of their family members day-to-day, especially in the event of an emergency. CERT courses are designed to help you protect yourself, your family, your neighbors and your neighborhood in an emergency situation.
Training
Upon completing the C.E.R.T. training participants will be able to:
- Extinguish small fires and control building utilities
- Perform safe and effective search and rescue procedures
- Recognize and treat many life threatening injuries involving multiple victims
- Establish treatment areas for the continued care of those injured until professional assistance is
available
- Easily interface with professional emergency responders due to the knowledge in fire and police
terminology and procedures
- Determine the types of supplies necessary to assist family and neighbors
The initial training is followed by continuing education program. These sessions - drills and refresher classes - are offered periodically, and give C.E.R.T. graduates a chance to sharpen and update their skills. Some supplies will be provided; optional material will be supplied by the student.
What Role Does CERT Play in an Emergency?
Be better prepared to deal with events that might otherwise seem overwhelming
Recognize any potential hazards, and take steps to safely assist, or get assistance
Assume a leadership role with both those who are or are not trained to deal with the event
Allow better allocation of emergency resources by being more capable of "sizing up" a situation and properly advising emergency responders
Take steps to get to safety and/or help others to do so in a more organized manner
Identify, organize, and utilize available resources
Perform needs assessment, document, and communicate needs to local authorities
Assist others with the emotional distress associated with major emergencies and disaster
For a CERT demonstration see the video through the Citizen Corps Website for CERT
How Can I Receive CERT Training?
Content: C.E.R.T. classes are offered free of charge to Grand Terrace residents over the age of 18. You must complete 21 hours of training and attend all sessions in order to receive a course completion certificate. All other materials will be provided. Any program costs will be covered by the City of Grand Terrace, EOC fund. Call (909)820-2501 or inquire online.
Emergency Preparedness for the Deaf and Special Needs
Grand Terrace is creating a list of names, addresses and telephone numbers. This would enable the Fire Dept. or Community Emergency Response Team to locate you during a disaster. If you would like your name added to our list, please call Community Services at 909-430-2201.