COMMUNITY
EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (CERT)
The Community Emergency
Response Team (CERT) is a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
program that helps educate citizens about hazards they may face
and trains them in lifesaving skills so that they are better prepared
to respond to emergency situations in their communities.
Initially, CERT programs
were developed to assist communities in taking care of themselves
in the aftermath of a major disaster when first responders are overwhelmed
or unable to respond because of communication or transportation
difficulties.
As the CERT concept
has taken hold across the country, CERTs
have become much more than originally envisioned. CERTs
have proven themselves to be an active and vital part of their communities'
preparedness and response capability. In Washoe County, CERTs
have been used for:
- Emergency
Callouts
- Evacuations
- Airport
Security and Railway Security
- Disaster
Preparedness Training and Wildland
Fire Safety Education
- Special
Events Support
- Emergency
Exercises And Drills
- Emergency
Public Call Taker
Applications for the
next CERT classes are currently being accepted. After your application
is approved you will be notified of the next available class.
Class size limited, to register call 328-2866
January
2005
- CERT & CHSC Volunteers activated
to assist with food and medicine
during Snow Storm
CERTs
are an investment of local government's time and resources. To capitalize
on this investment, program sponsors can view CERT members as a
volunteer resource that can assist with public safety activities.
Such an approach will actively involve members in serving their
communities beyond disaster response and add value to the CERT program.
This program is open
to all Washoe County residents 18yrs older and above.
No previous experience
in emergency response is required.
Volunteer two hours
per month or be involved on a weekly basis. There is something for
everyone.
