CERT bringing communities together
Issue date: 10/2/07 Section: Features
- Page 1 of 1
Brandi Niemeyer
Reporter
People in communities helping others in times of need is what CERT is all about. CERT is making a difference with the possibilities of saving lives.
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) has been organized to aid local emergency services. It is a federally approved program that offers the common person a chance to become a hero. It's a non profit organization to prevent the emergency services from becoming overwhelmed. In case of a natural disaster, the CERT team steps in and allows citizens to help themselves and the people in their community.
It helps people organize and apply a method for fixing the problem. Members of the CERT team can also serve as first responders at an emergency until the professionals arrive. Everyday people can join CERT.
Training for CERT usually only takes 24 hours. Evening and weekend sessions are available and can be set up for groups. Each volunteer gets a training manual, CERT kit and certificate after completing the training session.
Local fire departments and other response professionals train those interested in joining the program, putting a major stress on personal safety while helping others. CERT also helps people in their everyday lives. People that cannot offer their time for this program can help other ways by donating supplys or money to sponsor the training and provide the supply necessary to carry out the duties.
CERT training covers disaster preparedness, fire safety, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue operations, disaster psychology and is taught by disaster simulation exercises. Information courtesy of http://www.tampagov.net/dept_greater_tampa_community_emergency_response_team/.
A typical CERT emergency kit includes (courtesy of http://www.laurel.md.us/cert/kit.htm):
l Water
l Nonperishable food
l Non-electric can opener
l Extra clothing
l Rain gear
l Sturdy shoes
l Blankets
l First aid kit
l Prescription medications
l Battery-powered radio
l TV
l Flashlight
l Extra batteries
l Sanitation items
l Matches
l Glasses or contacts and contact solution
l Whistle
l Credit cards and cash
l Extra set of car keys
Also, have copies of all birth certificates, passports and licenses. Other special items for people with disabilities and babies should be included in the kit.
There will be Butler CERT team will have training Oct. 5, 6 and 7 in Augusta at the Public Safety building, 2100 N. Ohio. There is only 25 spots available and the class fills up fast. A manditory form is on Butlers website that can be downloaded and filled out.
Bringing communities together and keeping people safe, CERT makes it easier on other emergency response teams. Saving lives and learning great life skills, the volunteers make a difference in the lives of those they serve.
Reporter
People in communities helping others in times of need is what CERT is all about. CERT is making a difference with the possibilities of saving lives.
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) has been organized to aid local emergency services. It is a federally approved program that offers the common person a chance to become a hero. It's a non profit organization to prevent the emergency services from becoming overwhelmed. In case of a natural disaster, the CERT team steps in and allows citizens to help themselves and the people in their community.
It helps people organize and apply a method for fixing the problem. Members of the CERT team can also serve as first responders at an emergency until the professionals arrive. Everyday people can join CERT.
Training for CERT usually only takes 24 hours. Evening and weekend sessions are available and can be set up for groups. Each volunteer gets a training manual, CERT kit and certificate after completing the training session.
Local fire departments and other response professionals train those interested in joining the program, putting a major stress on personal safety while helping others. CERT also helps people in their everyday lives. People that cannot offer their time for this program can help other ways by donating supplys or money to sponsor the training and provide the supply necessary to carry out the duties.
CERT training covers disaster preparedness, fire safety, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue operations, disaster psychology and is taught by disaster simulation exercises. Information courtesy of http://www.tampagov.net/dept_greater_tampa_community_emergency_response_team/.
A typical CERT emergency kit includes (courtesy of http://www.laurel.md.us/cert/kit.htm):
l Water
l Nonperishable food
l Non-electric can opener
l Extra clothing
l Rain gear
l Sturdy shoes
l Blankets
l First aid kit
l Prescription medications
l Battery-powered radio
l TV
l Flashlight
l Extra batteries
l Sanitation items
l Matches
l Glasses or contacts and contact solution
l Whistle
l Credit cards and cash
l Extra set of car keys
Also, have copies of all birth certificates, passports and licenses. Other special items for people with disabilities and babies should be included in the kit.
There will be Butler CERT team will have training Oct. 5, 6 and 7 in Augusta at the Public Safety building, 2100 N. Ohio. There is only 25 spots available and the class fills up fast. A manditory form is on Butlers website that can be downloaded and filled out.
Bringing communities together and keeping people safe, CERT makes it easier on other emergency response teams. Saving lives and learning great life skills, the volunteers make a difference in the lives of those they serve.
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