Transcript Community Emergency Response Teams

Community
Emergency Response
Teams
(CERT)
Training Citizens To Prepare For,
Deal With, And Recover From
Major Emergencies
What is a Community Emergency Response Team?

A “CERT” is a group of people that is organized and receives
special training that enhances their ability to recognize,
respond to, and recover from a major emergency or disaster
situation.

The CERT is organized under the leadership of the local
jurisdiction.

They are trained by emergency responders and emergency
management personnel in areas that will help them take care of
themselves and others before, during, and after a major
emergency.
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As an organized team, they can provide vital services in the
absence of emergency responders, whose arrival may be
delayed due to the scope of the event.

When a major emergency overwhelms normally available
resources, response delays of hours or even days may occur;
someone with “basic skills training” should be able to
immediately assist those in distress.
What Substantiates The Need For A CERT ?
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Various reports of “Lessons Learned” from different disasters including the most
recent weather disasters; Hugo in 1989, Andrew in 1992 and the “Unnamed Storm of
1993”.
One study of particular impact was released in June, 1990 by the Urban Institute of the
University of North Carolina at Charlotte on the Lessons Learned from Hurricane
Hugo. Hugo struck Charlotte after traveling 200 miles inland while maintaining
hurricane force winds that did damage estimated to be in the hundreds of millions
of dollars.
Excerpts of the Study are quoted
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“Emergency plans must find ways to incorporate citizens, a tremendous
resource.....find ways to increase citizen participation”
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“More training in emergency response is needed, not only for public
employees, but for all segments of the community.”
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“Identify ways to create neighborhood contacts or teams to help in an
emergency....”
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“Identify priority agencies and businesses to be assisted in regaining
operation....Grocery stores and banks may need greater attention and
assistance from government than previously recognized.”
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“Special attention needs to be directed to poorer neighborhoods....poor
citizens have fewer personal financial resources to help recover from an
emergency...”
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“Find ways to incorporate and to legitimize citizen involvement in
emergency response...”
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“Conduct more training for emergencies, especially for personnel working in
group facilities such as schools, jails and senior centers.”
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“Explore ways to get information to employees about the safety of their
families in an emergency. One of the key factors related to keeping any
employee on the job...is knowledge about the safety of the family.”
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“Establish a business emergency response committee to plan coordinated
assistance from business to the community.”
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“Devise ways to get services out to needy citizens in a more timely manner.”
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“Contact neighborhood associations prior to an emergency to identify
neighborhood volunteers.”
What Major Emergencies Could Affect Your
Jurisdiction?
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Weather Emergencies
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Transportation Incidents affecting large populations
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Hurricanes would naturally have the most extensive impact on the entire community. Even
if your jurisdiction is not a coastal community, it could become a “Host Community” to
evacuees from other parts of the State. This major influx of people has State and Local
Emergency Management officials concerned about not only the impact of this new population
on local service demand, but also the fear of people being caught on the roads during the
severe weather that can accompany even a passing storm.
Tornadoes are the most feared weather phenomenon due to their lack of advance warning
coupled with the severe damage and threat to life they can cause in such a short time. Their
impact on local resources is dependent on how many tornadoes occur, where they touch down,
and what path they take.
Severe Thunderstorm with High Winds are a regular occurrence in many states. Their
severity varies generally on the time of year they are generated, But their damage and drain
on emergency resources can be “Area Wide” in scope.
An Aircraft Crash On or Off an Airport would be an immediate drain on emergency
resources. The prospect of a large jetliner going down in a populated neighborhood or a
downtown area is a dread fear of emergency management and response personnel.
A Train Derailment or Truck Transport Accident with Chemical Release and/or Fire is
always a concern due to the fact that railroads and major highways go through the center of the
major urban areas of many cities. Any major accident could create a mass casualty incident or
the need to move a large number of people out of harm’s way in a very short period of time.
A Passenger or School Bus Accident with Multiple Injuries is one of the most likely
transportation accidents that can occur. This type of incident could commit a major portion
of a jurisdiction’s “on duty” emergency resources immediately.
Major Fire in a High Rise, or other High Life Hazard Occupancy
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Any large area building or high rise such as a Hotel, Office Building, Retirement Community
or Hospital could easily require all on-duty resources, the need to recall off-duty personnel,
and the use of other jurisdictions for response.
Other Major Emergencies
Other major emergencies can range from wide area flooding to a terrorist attack. Each
jurisdiction must prepare for each of these possibilities through their Emergency Management
efforts. Public education and citizen involvement appear to be the most aggressive method of
“disaster mitigation” available.
What Part Do The Team Members Play?
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Properly Trained, They Would:
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Be Better Prepared to deal with events that might otherwise seem
overwhelming.
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Recognize The Potential Hazards associated with a particular type
of event and take appropriate action.
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Take Steps To Get To Safety and/or help others to do so in a more
organized fashion.
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Assume A Leadership Role with those who are not trained to deal
with the event.
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Administer First Aid and/or Triage techniques.
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Identify, Organize, and Utilize Available Resources.
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Perform Needs Assessment, document and communicate to local
authorities.
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Assist Others With The Emotional Distress associated with major
emergencies and disaster conditions.
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Allow Better Allocation Of Emergency Resources by being more
capable of “sizing-up” a situation and properly advising emergency
responders.
Where Do We Find Team Members?
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Neighborhoods/Homeowners’ Associations
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Graduates of the Citizens Fire and Police Academies
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Employees of the jurisdiction
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High Rise Apartments and Offices
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The Hotel/Motel Industry
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Businesses/Civic Groups
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Schools/Churches/Hospitals/Homes For The Elderly
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Anywhere People Live, Work or Interact
Is It Practical To Train People Just For Disasters?
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Disaster is typically considered an event that causes
injury, loss of life , and widespread damage. It almost
always causes local resources to be overwhelmed by
the magnitude of the crisis.
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In our daily lives, citizens unable to help others
represents a resource that is “overwhelmed” and
basically becomes a “Disaster” on a personal level.
– Not knowing how to help on the scene of an auto
accident, or pedestrian hit by a vehicle
– Inability to recognize and initially treat severe
bleeding, broken bones or bad burns
– Unaware of the steps (or the precautions) to take
when faced with a victim that has an airway problem.
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Citizens trained in the manner proposed should be able to
Deal More Effectively With Daily Emergencies so they
won’t create that “Personal Disaster” situation; and they
can advise responders of the pre-emptive steps that
have been taken by those on the scene.
How Are Members of The Team Trained?
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Students attend seven (7) weekly classes given by local emergency
response and emergency management instructors, (a detailed
description of each module follows this summary). The American
Red Cross course “Introduction to Disaster Services” should also
be scheduled as an optional part of the CERT curriculum.
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Students are grouped into teams (preferably 5 or 6 in each team) in
the first class and complete the course as a unit.
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Each class lasts for two and one half (2 1/2) hours each week and
reading assignments are given at the end of each class.
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Lecture is supported by video, slides, and overhead projected
materials. Lecture time gives way to practical, tabletop, and team
building exercises wherever possible.
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A disaster simulation is staged to allow students to apply their
newly acquired skills in a realistic environment with multiple
casualties.
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Private study can be accomplished by using the FEMA Home Study
courses provided by most state emergency management offices.
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Advanced Study is available to those graduates interested in getting
better trained in a specific area. These areas of study would be taught by
personnel from the various departments and associated agencies that
normally respond to disastrous events.
How Do Graduates Keep Their Interest?
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It is important to each jurisdiction that graduates realize they are an
integral part of the Local Emergency Management System. The CERT
Program Coordinator should schedule graduates for a variety of activities
that are intended to show the jurisdiction’s commitment to the Program.
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Graduates might be allowed to ride with in-service emergency
units in order to see some of the techniques they have learned used
in the field.
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Monthly meetings might be scheduled for graduates and interested
individuals to attend. Attendees can be brought up to date on any
news or changes that may affect them, or the emergency
management system; and they can be given up to an hour class on a
topic that enhances training they have received.
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Graduates should be asked to periodically attend neighborhood
activities or other public gatherings to man exhibits, hand out
literature, and help others learn about the CERT Program.
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Graduates available during daytime hours may be asked to
volunteer to help administer the program and answer telephone
inquiries.
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Some jurisdictions around the country use CERT graduates as a
volunteer resource for community service projects.
Do They Really Work As A Team?
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The “Team”, in its most general sense, would refer to the group of
citizens that seek training and share a common interest in becoming more
aware of the problems and solutions that may affect them, their families,
and their neighborhood.
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Students attend the class in “teams” in order to experience the
camaraderie that is associated with a group of people that organize to
accomplish goals together.
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The graduate of this course is encouraged to go back to their
neighborhood and garner the interest necessary to form “neighborhood
teams” that can prepare for and respond to each other’s needs in the event
of an impending or actual emergency situation.
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Neighborhood Watch is a Team based concept that has neighbors
watching out for neighbors.
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The CERT Program adds a new dimension to this concept and gives
participants the skills and learning bank that allows them to deal with
many of the problems that can affect a community.
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“Teams” are people working toward a common goal or cause.
How Are Teams Formed?
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The graduate of the CERT Program is made aware of the problems
that they could face during a major emergency. They share this
information with friends in their neighborhood.
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As these friends learn of the availability of information that could
enhance their family’s safety, interest in certain areas of personal
experience, personal preference or potential expertise emerge.
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People will seek new knowledge in areas that they find of interest or that
they are capable of performing. Some people are good at “hands-on”
tasks; others feel comfortable with leadership, support or documentation
duties.
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The American public enjoys a challenge, especially a challenge that
makes them feel philanthropic, or gives them a feeling of a “sense of
belonging” to the community where they live.
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As the interest in this “new challenge” grows, so do the number of people
that want to belong to this “New Team” that is emerging in their
neighborhood. Leaders are appointed, tasks are assigned, and
training is scheduled so that everybody feels better about their ability
to be prepared; and be a part of the “TEAM”.
How Does This Fit Into A City Organization?
C om m unity Em e rge nc y Re s pons e T e a m
T ra ining Sruc ture
M ayor A n d
C om m ission ers
C h ief A d m in istrator
or C ity M an ag er
FIR E
C H IE F
P u b lic
E d u cation
S ection
E m erg en cy
M an ag em en t
S ection
In -S ervice
Train in g
D ivision
E m erg en cy
M ed ical
S ervices
C .E .R .T.
In stru ctors
C .E .R .Team
M em b ers
A City as an Example
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In many cities that have CERT programs, they are often administered by
the fire department. This may be for a couple of reasons .
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First, the fire department normally employs the emergency response and
medical personnel that can teach the response portions of the course.
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Secondly, most fire departments have active public education programs, and
CERT can be fairly easily incorporated into those processes.
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In many cases the fire department is also responsible for emergency
management, so the program can fit very appropriately into the public
education goals of the jurisdiction.
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Other City, or County as it may be, departments such as public works,
public utilities, police, etc., should also be included as part of the teaching
cadre. Each department has a specific role during a disaster, and those
roles can be taught to the public through CERT. Having an understanding
of government’s limitations after a disaster is a major benefit to the
citizen; and the local jurisdiction.
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When the fire department operates the course, it is usually also
established as the primary contact after a disaster.
How Does the Neighborhood Structure Look?
Response Team Organization
Basic Structure
Fire Department Liaison
On-Site / Area
Team Leader
Documentation
Situation Status
Search &
Rescue
Safety / Fire
Suppression
Search / Rescue
Evacuation
Suppression
Utilities / HazMat
Medical
Logistics
Triage
Treatment
Special Needs
Staffing
Communications
Food / Equipment
How Comprehensive Can the Team Get?
Neighborhood Response Organization
Alert / Emergency Status
Mayor and/or
City/County Manager
Collate And Report
On Community Status
CERT Team
Liason Personnel
Information Conduit for
Neighborhood Teams
Disaster Operations
Personnel at EOC
Coordinate Operations
Recommend Policy
On-Site/Area
Team Leader
Collates And Reports
On Neighborhood Status
Information/Planning
Coordinator
Gathers and Documents
Information/Assessments
Public Works
Coordinator
Monitors/Relays Status
of Infrastructure
Special Needs
Coordinator
Determines Those That
Need Special Help
Communications
Coordinator
Maintains Comm
Link w/Authorities
Resource
Coordinator
Maintains/Assigns
Available Resources
Damage Assessment
Coordinator
Determines/Relays Status
of Private Damage
Voluntary Goods
And Services
Coordinates Use Of
Manpower/Supplies
Mass Care
Coordinator
Determines/Relays
Status of People
Fire/Rescue/HazMat
Coordinator
Mitigate and/or
Determine Needs
Transportation
Coordinator
Assesses/Relays Ability
& Need To Move People
Health & Medical
Coordinator
Sees To Needs Of
Those Injured/In Distress
Food/Water
Coordinator
Monitors/Rations
As Available
Law Enforcement/Security
Coordinator
Evaluate and
Request Resources
Overhead Team Structure/Operation
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Mayor and/or City/County Manager
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Gather Information from EOC and CERT Liaison personnel, report
on community status.
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Consider policy requests from EOC.
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Authorize Emergency Policy implementation through
Executive/Policy Group decisions.
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CERT Liaison Personnel
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CERT instructors and/or HAM radio personnel located in the EOC
of the jurisdiction.
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Act as information conduit between On-Site/Area Team Leaders and
EOC for needs and status.
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Emergency Operations Personnel at the EOC
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Coordinate emergency operations.
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Recommend policy decisions based on situation.
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Implement policy decisions approved by Executive Committee.
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Gather information, allocate resources, and act on reports from
emergency response units and Neighborhood Team Leaders.
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Reports actions/status to Executive/Policy Group.
On-Site Team Structure
O n -S ite/A rea
Team L ead er
C om m u n ication s
C oord in ator
In form ation an d
P lan n in g
D am ag e/N eed s
A ssessm en t
P u b lic W orks
In frastru ctu re
R esou rce
C oord in ator
V olu n tary G ood s
an d S ervices
F ood an d
W ater
F ire/R escu e
H azM at
L aw E n forcem en t
an d S ecu rity
M ass C are
C oord in ator
Tran sp ortation
C oord in ator
H ealth an d
M ed ical
P eop le W ith
S p ecial N eed s
On-Site Team Functions
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On-Site/Area Team Leader gathers information and requests for need and reports to
the CERT Liaison personnel or appropriate agency contact.
Communications Coordinator plans for, maintains, and operates the available means
of communications needed.
Information & Planning Coordinator documents Team activities and reports from
Damage/Needs Assessment Teams.
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Damage/Needs Assessment Sector identifies, documents and reports damage
to private property, and needs of citizens in that locale.
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Public Works Sector performs the same function with respect to public
property and infrastructure. Reports status of streets regarding blockage or
flooding, utilities, and infrastructure damage affecting the neighborhood.
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Voluntary Goods & Services Sector reports to Resource on the availability of
manpower and supplies.
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Food & Water Sector monitors and reports to Resource on the status of
available food and water.
Fire/Rescue/HazMat Coordinator evaluates and directs emergency actions within
the capabilities of volunteers. Reports conditions that warrant professional response.
Law Enforcement and Security Coordinator evaluates and reports conditions that
require Police action. Directs volunteers to help secure private property when
appropriate.
Mass Care Coordinator documents and reports on the condition and needs of people
on site. Evaluates and arranges for shelter for those in need.
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Transportation Sector identifies available transportation or need for same.
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Health & Medical Sector establishes location for injured persons to be treated
and staged for possible transport. Directs medical volunteers. Reports on need
for emergency medical assistance.
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People With Special Needs Sector identifies and evaluates status of those that
are handicapped, non-ambulatory, needing prescription drugs or have medical
conditions that could warrant medical attention within a short time.
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Resource Coordinator directs volunteers and other resources to areas of need.
Other CERT Applications
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If you consider your jurisdiction’s demographics, you will be able to
identify several specific audiences that deserve attention. While the basic
program would require some modification to fit these different audiences,
development would be relatively easy to accomplish once you have
trained instructors. Programs that might need consideration are:
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Where the Staff would be trained in CERT and assisted in the
development of a Disaster Plan where needed.
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Elder Care Facilities
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Business Owners
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Hotel/Motel Industry
High-Rise Retirement Communities where the Staff and Residents
could be trained.
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Scout Troops could be trained, through a modified CERT program,
to respond and assist the elderly in the event of an approaching
Hurricane. Their primary goal would be to obtain food, supplies or
medicines for the elderly that would otherwise have difficulty
getting these items.
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Schools, where teachers and staff are CERT trained and students are offered an
Urban Survival form of training, similar to the Phoenix Plan.
Employees and their Families could be CERT trained and educated on
the part they may play in the jurisdiction’s Disaster Plan. Critical
employees would understand the options open to them for the safety of
their families when they must report to work due to a disaster.
Get The Community Involved
to Help Support the Cost of the Program!
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This is the type of program where every level of your local community
can be a player.
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Civic groups look for opportunities to participate in community
projects.
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Businesses want to be seen as involved “corporate citizens” of the area
they do business.
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Open a “Tax Deductible Account” for businesses to contribute to and
give them the documentation they need to have the IRS recognize it as a
tax free donation, while they are helping their community.
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Consider charging $50.00 per student to pay for printing, postage,
materials and instructors. This cost can be paid by tax dollars, but if the
student gets it for free, they may not take their personal commitment as
seriously as you will have to take your financial commitment.
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A Team member appreciates having the proper equipment to work
with in an emergency situation. Make an equipment bag, reflective vest,
and hard hat available at an additional cost, or let local businesses sponsor
the purchase of that equipment. The student should fill the bag with
equipment and keep it in their personal vehicle for emergencies.
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Since you are promoting this program on a community involvement basis,
print Tee-shirts, patches, window stickers and other identifying items.
Allow the student to purchase these items to show both his/her
involvement, as well as their commitment to support the program cost.
Will CERT Training Make a Difference
in Your Jurisdiction?
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While your jurisdiction may be fortunate enough to have been spared from
the hardships and challenges that other communities around the nation
have faced; it is probably just a matter of time before you are tested by a
major event.
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A Potential Scenario
Hopefully you will never have to issue a report on how your citizens faired
after a disaster; but if you did, you should expect that having CERT trained
people would reflect some of the following responses.
Upon being notified by authorities of the impending danger of the approaching
hurricane CERT members began taking inventory of their
neighborhoods; who is home, who isn’t, what residents have special
needs or have to make special preparations, who has equipment that will
be useful after the fact.
After the storm CERT team leaders were able to organize volunteers to help
assess the status of neighbors in a very short period of time and
authorities were able to determine the need for emergency resources much
quicker than normal.
Those neighbors with Special Needs were quickly assessed after the storm.
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Trained citizens were able to locate injured residents, render first aid and
where necessary move them to a safe area for further treatment.
Tornadic winds caused heavy damage in some areas where CERT members
were required to extricate neighbors entrapped in collapsed structures.
CERT members identified and isolated areas of potential danger around
downed power lines, broken water mains, and flooded storm drains. All
damaged homes using natural or LP gas were located and valves were turned off
to prevent fire hazards.
Team leaders were able to advise emergency operations personnel of the level
of damage in their areas which allowed the Mayor to justify the need for a rapid
response of State and Federal assistance.