Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program
Charles
(304) 728-3329 Phone
(304) 725-7916 Fax
Summary
Jefferson County Office of
Homeland Security operates the CERT Program for the Jefferson County
Commission. Jefferson County Office of
Homeland Security is a disaster preparedness and mitigation education program
that serves
Participation in the CERT
Program will further empower area residents in the event of emergencies and
natural or human-caused disasters by providing basic skills in disaster preparedness
and mitigation, fire and life safety, terrorism and crime prevention, disaster
medical operations, planning for people with special needs, planning for
animals in disaster, disaster mental health, light search and rescue and
incident command to help them to protect their families and neighbors. The CERT Program in
Jefferson County CERT will
address the actual hazards that make our region vulnerable, recognize the
character and make-up of our communities and instill a sense of empowerment
within our students.
Components of Jefferson County
CERT
There are five major
components of the Jefferson County CERT Program
- CERT Train The Trainer Course
- CERT Basic Training Course
- CERT II Course
- Team Participating Activities
- Volunteer Opportunities
CERT Train the Trainer Course
The CERT Train the Trainer
Course will be offered locally, as needed.
The Coordinator for the Jefferson County Office of Homeland Security
completed the Train the Trainer Course at
All Jefferson County CERT
Course offerings will be taught by a trainer who is a professional in the
specific field that is being taught in each class. The lead-instructor will be
assisted by other instructor team members.
Each instructor will assist with recruitment of students, train
participants, gather and provide instructional materials to students and be
responsible to take these supplies back up after each class.
CERT Training Course
The CERT Training Course
is the backbone of the CERT Program. It
consists of BASIC skills training in disaster preparedness and mitigation,
special needs groups, animals in disaster, fire and life safety, terrorism and
crime prevention. The class will consist
of a two and one-half hour class one night or day per week for eight weeks and
a final exercise at the end of the course.
All students must complete all eight sections of the course in order to
be eligible for a Certificate of Completion at the end of the course. If a student misses a session, they will have
to wait until the next round of classes to obtain the missed class and to
obtain their certificate.
Team Participating Activities
CERTs in all communities
are as different as the communities that they serve. Some are major metro teams that work together
and are actually “deployed” by 9-1-1 in emergencies. Smaller communities have rural “teams” that
use their training only to assist when their small community is cut off from
the rest of civilization. Each community
has been encouraged to use their CERT Program to best fit the needs of their
community.
Monthly Electronic Newsletters
All CERT members will also
be members of the larger organization, Jefferson County Office of Homeland
Security Partners. These partners
receive a monthly electronic newsletter detailing additional educational and
training opportunities being offered throughout the Region. Local responder groups will be encouraged to
put information into the newsletter when they are needing
volunteers for various events and/or fundraisers, information about other
committees that they may be interested in becoming a part of, relevant websites
and resource information, etc.
CERT Refresher Training
All CERT members will have
the opportunity to interact with other volunteers at quarterly CERT meetings to
provide “refresher training” and education on a variety of emergency management
and planning topics. These meetings will
give CERT volunteers the chance to meet face-to-face, ask questions, raise
concerns, and to network.
Volunteer Opportunities
As students finish the
CERT program, their information will be placed in a data base of volunteers
that will be made available to the Emergency Responder community. Volunteer duties may include both disaster or
emergency duties and Non-emergency duties.
During a disaster, CERT members may provide volunteer services such as
using their four-wheel drive vehicle to drive patients to dialysis during a
winter storm, removing debris after a storm, or shoveling the snow off of the
walkway of a person with mobility problems after a storm. In non-disaster times, CERT volunteers might
volunteer to help local responders to wash fire trucks, do other maintenance,
assist with fundraising activities, assist with children’s fire safety programs,
helping man a booth during the
NIMS (National Incident Management System)
National Incident
Management System-related training is one of the important elements that local
entities must complete during FY-2006 to become fully compliant with NIMS. Jurisdictions are required to meet the FY06
NIMS requirements as a condition of receiving federal preparedness funding
assistance in FY-2007.
The key points to the NIMS
are: PREPAREDNESS-Planning, Training, Exercising, and tools; RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT-Standards are to the be same
nation-wide. With our resources
identified under the strict guidelines for NIMS, the same resources will be
called the same thing in every jurisdiction in the
NIMS is a dynamic system
and the doctrine and implementation requirements will continue to evolve as our
prevention, preparedness, response and recovery capabilities improve and our
homeland security landscape changes. New
personnel will need NIMS training and NIMS processes will have to be exercised
in future years.
2006 Training
required by NIMS includes:
IS-700 “NIMS, An
Introduction” http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/is700.asp
IS-800 “NRP, An
Introduction” http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/is800.asp
IS-100 “Introduction to
ICS” http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/is100.asp
IS-200 “Basic ICS” http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/is200.asp
For some positions, the IS
300 “Intermediate ICS”
And the IS 400 “Advanced
ICS”, will be required training for FY-07.
For more information about
the National Incident Management System, visit http://www.fema.gov/emergency/nims/index.shtm
Session I
Introduction to Disasters
and Disaster Mitigation and Disaster Preparedness
Session II
Fire Safety
Session III
Emergency First Aid I
Session IV
Emergency First Aid II
Session V
Terrorism Preparedness and
Crime Prevention
Session VI
Disaster Psychology,
Special Populations, Animals in Disaster
Session VII
Light Search & Rescue,
Course Review, and CERT Volunteerism
Session VIII Final Exercise and Graduation
All Sessions are Free and for the General Public
Introduction to Disasters and Disaster Mitigation
and Disaster Preparedness
I.
Welcome,
Introductions & Safety Issues!
II.
Tower Exercise
III.
Course Preview
IV.
Recent
Disasters in
V.
Disasters and
Disaster Workers
VI.
Disaster
Threats (
VII.
Impact on the
Infrastructure
VIII.
Hazard
Mitigation
IX.
Home and
Workplace Preparedness
X.
Community
Preparedness
XI.
Protection for
Disaster Workers
XII.
Summary and
Review
XIII.
Preview next
session-Fire Safety
Homework: 1.
Complete Family Disaster Plan and begin to make a Family Disaster Supply Kit. Will report out at next session!
2. Read and familiarize yourself with Unit 2:
Fire Safety
Additional Handouts:
CERT Student Manuel, Buddy
Pledge
Page from Risk Assessment
with Vulnerabilities
FEMA’s ARE YOU READY GUIDE
Local Getting Ready Guide
Local Family Disaster Plan
Step-by-Step Plan
FEMA/RED CROSS Disaster
Supply Kit and Family Preparedness Plan Brochures
Fire Safety
I.
Review of
Previous Session
II.
Introduction
of Instructors
III.
Introductions
and Session Overview
IV.
Fire Chemistry
a.
Fire Triangle
b.
Classes of
fires A-D
V.
Fire
Safety-Reducing Fire Hazards
VI.
Shutting off
Utilities
a.
Electrical
boxes/fuse boxes
b.
Natural gas
hazards
1.
Shutting off
natural gas meters
2.
When NOT to
shut off the natural gas
VII.
Fire
Extinguishers
a.
Types of fire
extinguishers
b.
P.A.S.S.
method for using extinguishers
c.
Fire
Extinguisher practice
VIII.
Fire Video
IX.
Brief Overview
of Fire Suppression Safety Rules
X.
Hazardous
Materials
a.
DOT Placards
b.
Home Safety
with Hazardous Materials
XI.
Summary and
Review
XII.
Preview of Next
Session
Homework: Locate utility shutoffs in home. Check smoke alarm batteries. Make sure fire extinguisher is placed in safe
spot in room.
Additional
Handouts: NFPA Brochures, Emergency
Response Guidebooks
Emergency First Aid I
I.
Review of
Previous Session
II.
Introduction
of Instructors
III.
Introduction
of Session Overview
IV.
Treating
Life-Threatening Conditions
V.
Triage
VI.
Unit Summary
Homework: Read and become familiar with Unit 4.
Additional Handouts:
Emergency First Aid II
I.
Review of
Previous Session
II.
Introduction
of Instructors
III.
Unit Overview
IV.
Public Health
Considerations
V.
Functions of
Disaster Medical Operations
VI.
Establishing
Treatment Areas
VII.
Conducting Head-To-Toe
Assessments
VIII.
Treating Burns
IX.
Wound Care
X.
Treating
Fractures, Dislocations, Sprains, and Strains
XI.
Splinting
XII.
Treating
Hypothermia
XIII.
Nasal Injuries
XIV.
Unit Summary
XV.
Preview of
next session
Homework: Check expiration dates on all first aid
materials at home. Restock if necessary
Additional Handouts:
Terrorism Preparedness and Crime Prevention
I.
Review of
Previous Session
II.
Introduction
of Instructors
III.
Introduction
and Session Overview
IV.
What is
Terrorism?
V.
Terrorist
Targets
VI.
Terrorist
Weapons
VII.
B-NICE
Indicators
VIII.
Preparing at
Home and at Work (Shelter-In-Place, Review of Disaster Kit, Safe Rooms
IX.
Time,
Distance, Shielding/Hot Zones
X.
Criminal
Investigations
XI.
Crime
Prevention
XII.
Street Safety
XIII.
Home Safety
XIV.
Neighborhood
Safety
XV.
Safety for
Special Populations (Kids, Teens, Senior Citizens)
XVI.
Fraud and
Cyber Crimes
XVII.
Summary and
Review
XVIII.
Preview of
next Session
Homework: Inspect home for safety issues.
Additional
Handouts: National Crime Prevention
Council handout-“You’re Inside look at Crime Prevention:;
Crime Dog Handout, Shelter In Place Brochures, Red Cross Terrorism Preparedness
Brochure
Disaster Psychology, Special Populations and
Animals in Disaster
I.
Review of
Previous Session
II.
Introduction
of Instructors
III.
Introduction
and Session Overview
IV.
Disaster
Psychology
V.
Effects of
Disasters on Survivors (Survivors vs. Victims; Emotional and Physiological
Symptoms and Post Traumatic Stress)
VI.
Helping Others
in Disasters
VII.
Disasters and
Special Populations
A.
How the
after-disaster environment affects people with special needs
B.
Disaster
Preparedness for persons with special needs
C.
Personal
support networks
VIII.
Animals in
Disaster
A.
Pets
B.
Large Animals
and Livestock
C.
Wildlife
IX.
Summary and
Review
X.
Preview of
Next Session
Homework: Make adjustments to your disaster kits or any
special needs people who live in your home and for your pets. Create an evacuation plan for your pets.
Additional Handouts:
Red Cross Guide: Disaster
Preparedness for People with Disabilities,
Light
Search & Rescue, Course Review and CERT Volunteerism
I. Review of last session
II. Introduction of Instructors
III. Introduction and Overview
IV. Search and Rescue Sizeup
V. Conduction Search Operations
VI. Conducting Rescue Operations
VII. Course Review
A. Disaster Mitigation & Disaster Preparedness
B. Fire Safety
C. Emergency First Aid
D. Terrorism Preparedness and Crime Prevention
E. Disaster Psychology
F. Special Populations and Animals in Disaster
VIII. CERT Organization & Volunteerism
Homework: Review All Sections of Course
Disaster
Exercise & Presentation of Certificates of Participation
I. Disaster Exercise---Details given at the beginning of class
II. Presentation of Certificates of Participation
III.
Where Do We Go From here
??
Jefferson
CERT LEVEL 2 Program
We encourage our Level-1 graduates to enhance their
education. Following the completion of
Level 1, or the Basic CERT Class, sequential training in CERT Level 2 includes
additional training in Emergency Guidebook Training (Hazardous Materials), Gang
Awareness (What to Report, What to Do, What not to do), a module on local
volunteering opportunities, a refresher course in Disaster Medical Operations,
Stormspotter Training, advanced training on Weapons of Mass Destruction and
Terrorism, all of the NIMS requirements, and completion of First Aid and
CPR. Additionally, the level 2 class
requires 20 volunteer hours in CERT activities, participation in a yearly
exercise, and requires a background check after all other activities are
completed.
Level-2 CERTs will complete an additional 44 hours
in training, and volunteer at least 20 hours.
By the time they are a level 2 CERT, they will have completed a total of
68 hours in training (Level 1 and Level 2)
Requirements:
q Must complete the Basic CERT Program (24-Hour
Course)
q Must complete the Introduction to CERT Level 2
Class (2 Hours)
q Must complete Emergency Response Guidebook Training
(2 Hours)
q Must complete Gang Awareness Training (1 Hour)
q Must complete module on Local Volunteer
Opportunities (3 Hours)
q Level 2 Disaster Medical Ops Yearly (3 Hours)
q Must have a current CPR Card (3.5 Hours)
q Must have a current First Aid Card (3.5 Hours)
q Must complete Red Cross on-line course,
Introduction to Disaster Services (3 Hours)
q Must complete Red Cross Weapons of Mass
Destruction/Terrorism (3 Hours)
q Must complete the National Weather Service’s Basic
Stormspotter Class (2 Hours)
q Must complete the National Weather Service’s
Advanced or Basics II Stormspotter Class (2 Hours)
q Must complete FEMA on-line course, IS-700, An
introduction to the NIMS (National Incident Management System) (4 Hours)
q Must complete the FEMA on-line course, IS-800, An
introduction to the National Response Plan (6 Hours)
q Must complete the required FEMA Incident Command
Courses, IS-100 and IS-200 (6 Hours)
q Must complete all NIMS requirements
q Must submit to a background check once that all
other requirements are met.
q Must participate in at least one yearly exercise
q Must Volunteer at least 20 hours per year at
various CERT activities
All Jefferson County CERT Instructors are VOLUNTEERS (with the exception of the Course Manager) who have completed the CERT Train-the-Trainer Course and they are professionals in the field/fields of study that they teach.
Barbara Miller,
Course Manager. Barb, in her role as
Lucas
Pierce-Disaster Preparedness Module. Lucas joined Jefferson County CERT in
2004. He is a board member of the
American Red Cross and has trained in First aid, WMT/T, Logistics, Disaster
Mental Health Services, Mass Care, Fundamentals of Instructor Training and
Disaster Services. Additionally, he is
trained to the Operations Level in Hazardous Materials and participated in the
Emergency Response Guidebook Training.
Lucas is a student at
Sandy McDonald-Fire
Safety Module.
David
Holmes-Fire Safety Module.
Dave has been an
emergency responder for over 29 years and has served as a training officer for
Citizens Fire Company, where he is a life member. His experience includes emergency
preparedness, fire safety, haz mat, emergency medical operations, exercise
safety officer, light search & rescue, terrorism, incident command system
operations, and exercise controller. He
is a Dispatcher with the
Donnie Dawson-Fire Safety Module & Incident Command Courses Donnie teaches the Fire Safety Module of the CERT Class and serves as a back-up instructor for the Disaster Medical Operations I and II Modules. He has been involved as a firefighter for more than 40 years and is a life member of the Citizens Fire Company. Donnie is married, lives in Kearneysville and works for the Jefferson County Board of Education. Donnie is one of those rare people that has knowledge, skills, experience and a willingness to share all of that with other people in the community.
Mike Kanehl-Fire Safety Module, Disaster Medical Operations I & II, Light Search & Rescue, Incident Command. Mike will join the instructor team beginning in September, 2006 as a back-up instructor for Fire Safety, Disaster Medical Operations I and II, Light Search & Rescue and Incident Command. He brings more than 18 years of emergency responder experience as a fire fighter and EMT to the CERT program. Mike is a member of the South Berkeley County Fire Company and lives in Summit Point. He has served as a trainer for the WVU Fire Service and RESA VIII, the Red Cross, American Heart Association and the Dept. of Labor. Mike is employed by Sino Swearingen as a safety & environmental specialist.
Gene
Rice-Disaster Medical Operations I and II. Gene teaches Disaster Medical Operations for
Leslie
Simpson-Disaster Medical Operations I and II. Leslie serves as an instructor for the
Disaster Medical Operations I and II Classes and is a
backup instructor for the Fire Safety Class.
She has been a fire fighter for the Shepherdstown Fire Company for 15
years and has been an EMT since 1990.
Additionally, she is a School Safety Team Member at the
Sheriff Ed
Boober-Crime Prevention & Terrorism Awareness Module- Sheriff
Boober brings over 31 years of police service and public safety experience to
the CERT program. His experience
includes providing training to the
Jeff Levesque-Disaster
Mental Health Module-Jeff is a clinical social worker with 30 years
experience working in medical psychiatric settings and is licensed in
Terri
Mehling-Planning for Animals in Disaster and Planning for People with Special
Needs. Terri’s
understanding of the need for preparedness and her love for animals
brought her to become our instructor for Planning for Animals in Disaster. She is a Red Cross volunteer with a list of
training that spans several pages.
Terri’s reason for becoming involved with CERT is to assist first
responders and neighbors in times of disaster.
She is employed by the Jefferson County Addressing Office and has been
contracted to develop