BECOME A WARREN COUNTY

VOLUNTEER

About CERT…
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) embraced the nationwide use of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) concept in the mid 1980's. They recognized that citizens would very likely be on their own during the early stages of a catastrophic disaster. Basic training in disaster survival and rescue skills would improve the ability of citizens to survive and assist others in the absence of emergency responders. CERT skills also apply to daily emergencies.

CERT training promotes a partnering effort between emergency services and the people they serve. The goal is for emergency personnel in Warren County to train members of neighborhoods, community organizations, or workplaces in basic emergency and disaster response skills. CERT members are then integrated into the emergency response capability in their township under the direction of their municipal Office of Emergency Management.

CERT members maintain and refine their skills by participating in training, exercises and activities. They can attend supplemental training opportunities offered by the local agencies and others to further their skills. Finally, CERT members can volunteer for projects that improve community emergency preparedness.

The Role of CERT in an Emergency:

CERTs have been used to:

• Search for lost or kidnapped children
• Staff Emergency Operations Centers and Shelters
• Manage spontaneous volunteers
• Assist the Red Cross and other relief organizations and volunteer groups
• Assist in transportation, providing minor first aid, and disseminating information

• Describe the types of hazards most likely to affect their homes and communities
• Describe the function of CERT and their roles in immediate response
• Take steps to prepare themselves for a disaster
• Identify and reduce potential fire hazards in their homes and workplaces
• Work as a team to apply basic fire suppression strategies, resources, and safety measures to extinguish a burning substance
• Apply techniques for opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating shock
• Conduct triage under simulated conditions
• Perform head-to-toe assessments
• Assist in selecting and setting up a treatment area
• Employ basic treatments for various wounds
• Identify planning and size-up requirements for potential search and rescue situations
• Describe the most common techniques for searching a structure
• Use safe techniques for debris removal and victim extrication
• Describe ways to protect rescuers during search and rescue operations

CERT Training Basic Course Overview:

The CERT training consists of 20 hours of instruction over an 8-week period. Classes are taught by emergency responders, including firefighters, emergency medical, law enforcement and emergency management personnel.

Session 1: Disaster Preparedness

• Introduction to disasters specific to your community, and their impact

   

  Session 2: Disaster Fire Suppression

• Identifying and reducing potential fire hazards and basic fire suppression

   

  Session 3: Disaster Medical Operations

• Part 1 - Treatment strategies for life-threatening conditions and triage

   

  Session 4: Disaster Medical Operations

• Part 2 - Head to toe patient assessment and treatment of various injuries

   

  Session 5: Light Search & Rescue

• Techniques for sizing up and searching, lifting, cribbing and removing victims

   

  Session 6: Disaster Psychology

• The post-disaster emotional environment will be discussed. Includes CERT organization, decision making and documentation

   

  Session 7: Terrorism

• Brief overview of terrorism weapons. Identifying potential targets, and time, distance and shielding factors

   

  Session 8: Final Exercise

• Tabletop disaster simulation

   

  How Can I Join?

  To become a CERT member you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver's license
  • Attend a 20 hour Basic CERT Training Course
  • Maintain an ongoing interest in your CERT organization and attendance at various events

  20 hour Basic CERT Courses are provided by these local teams, and are also scheduled on occasion by the Warren County Office of Emergency Management, located off Route 57 in Franklin Township near the Warren County College.

  Upon completion of the course you will be assigned to the Emergency Management Coordinator for the municipality in which you live. A county CERT team also exists to assist the Warren County Office of Emergency Management in operating its Emergency Operations Center during exercises and disasters.

  Your CERT Program is Sponsored by:

  • Municipal Offices of Emergency Management
  • Warren County Department of Public Safety - Office of Emergency Management
  • Warren County Fire Academy
  • New Jersey State Police - Office of Emergency Management
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)