The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) educates volunteers about disaster preparedness and emergency situations
The Hillsborough County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is designed to empower residents with the knowledge and skills needed for effective disaster preparedness. By training members to support their neighbors and communities during emergencies, CERT plays a vital role in enhancing local resilience when professional responders may not be immediately available.
What is CERT?
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program provides a hands-on training course that empowers residents with essential skills for disaster preparedness. The course is held on consecutive Saturdays or a combination of weeknights and Saturdays and is a total of 24 training hours. By learning how to protect themselves and their communities, CERT members play a crucial role in supporting emergency response efforts during crises.
History of CERT
The CERT concept was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1985. The Whittier Narrows earthquake in 1987 underscored the area-wide threat of a major disaster in California. Further, it confirmed the need for training civilians to meet their immediate needs.
CERT became a national program in 1993. There are now CERT programs in all 50 states, including many tribal nations and U.S. territories. Each is unique to its community, and all are essential to building a culture of preparedness in the United States. There are more than 3,200 local CERT programs nationwide and more than 600,000 people have trained since CERT became a national program.
Volunteering during disasters
CERT members are vital resources during emergencies, taking on a variety of roles, including but not limited to:
- Points of Distribution (PODs): Centralized locations in an impacted area where survivors pick up life-sustaining relief supplies following a disaster or emergency
- Comfort Stations: During emergencies, these offer essential services like showers, restrooms, laundry, and charging stations. These stations are often set up in areas most affected by disasters and are open during the day for extended periods, providing relief and support to residents.
- Sandbags: Assist in filling and distributing sandbags to residents to mitigate flooding impacts to property
- Damage Assessment: Conduct initial evaluations of community damage to aid recovery
Training components
Participants in the Hillsborough County CERT program will learn through a variety of focused classes, including:
Disaster Preparedness: Understand how to assess potential hazards and prepare both individually and as a community.
Team Organization and Disaster Psychology: Learn to communicate and function effectively in teams during high-stress situations.
Fire Safety: Gain knowledge on preventing fires and the safe use of fire extinguishers for small fires that may arise during emergencies.
Medical Operations: Master basic first aid techniques and how to prioritize care in emergency scenarios through triage.
Basic Search and Rescue: Acquire essential skills in search techniques and ensure the safety of both rescuers and those being assisted.
Terrorism Awareness: Develop an understanding of potential terrorist threats, the goals behind them, and how to recognize critical warning signs.
A crucial role in the community
The Hillsborough County CERT program is about community involvement. With over 400 active members, the program invites individuals from diverse backgrounds to come together and make a difference. CERT members play key roles during disasters, including providing shelter assistance, operating call centers, and supporting local emergency responders during incidents like wildfires.
In addition to disaster response, CERT members actively participate in community outreach, providing lifesaving training and first aid support at larger public events.
Join a local CERT
Hillsborough County's Basic Training sessions are offered quarterly at no cost to participants. This opportunity is open to the public; however, individuals under 18 must complete a parent or guardian consent form to enroll.
To learn more about becoming a CERT member, reach out to CERT@HCFL.gov.
Get involved and make a difference
Beyond the foundational training, Hillsborough County CERT provides supplemental training and volunteer opportunities to keep members engaged and prepared. Interested in contributing to the community's emergency preparedness efforts? Don't hesitate to contact CERT@HCFL.gov. for more information.
Build a safer, more resilient community that's ready to face any challenge, by joining the Hillsborough County CERT program.