CERT Organization

1. CERT Organization CERT Basic Training Unit 6

2. Incident Command System • Developed in Southern California in 1985 after big wildfire problems due to multiple agencies with different priorities & procedures • Standardized structure for agency planning, coordination and control • National standard since 2003 at wildfires, crime scenes, disasters CERT Basic Training Unit 6: CERT Organization

3. Unit Objectives Describe the CERT structure Identify how CERTs interrelate with ICS Explain documentation requirements

4. Unit Topics • CERT Organization • Mobilization • Documentation

5. Principles of On-scene Management Maintain the safety of disaster workers Provide clear leadership and organizational structure Improve effectiveness of rescue efforts

6. CERT On-scene Management Well-defined management structure Manageable span of control (3 - 7) Common terminology Effective communication Consolidated action plans Comprehensive resource management Accountability

7. Objectives for On-scene Management Identify scope of incident Determine overall strategy Set prioirities Deploy resources Document actions and results CERT in Action Video

8. Basic Incident Command System The “Doers” Fire Suppression Search & Rescue Medical Operations The “Getters” & Communications Planning, People, Paper Rarely Needed By CERTs

9. Initial CERT Organization Fire Suppression Squad B Fire Suppression Squad A Search & Rescue Squad Triage Squad Initially, IC/TL may manage all operations. Further staff sections activated as needed 6-7

10. CERT Incident Command (Manual pg 6-6) • First person at staging area is Incident Commander/Team Leader • IC/TL directs team activities and ensures incident safety • Sets up Command Post and stays there • Assigns workers to head Operations, Logistics & Planning • Interfaces with Media and other Responders (Fire, Police, etc.) • Takes direction from Agency official

11. CERT Incident Operations • Typically one of the first functions assigned • Directs and coordinates all incident tactical operations: Fire Suppression Search & Rescue Medical • Documents team briefings and assignments

12. CERT Incident Logistics • Provides Communications • Provides food and medical support to Team members • Coordinates with Operations to determine needs • Manages supplies and facilities • Documents equipment, supplies and facilities

13. CERT Incident Planning • Tracks Resources (CERT members and other volunteers who have reported in) • Tracks situation status (incident & staging locations, routes, hazards) • Prepares Team’s action plan & alternative strategies • Provides documentation services to other Sections • Maintains Personnel Resources Tracking Log

14. CERT Incident Administration (RARELY needed at CERT incidents) • (Contract negotiation and monitoring) • (Timekeeping) • (Cost Analysis) • (Develop alternative strategies) • (Compensation for injury or damage to property) • CERT Logistics maintains any expense records

15. Documentation • Section Chiefs at Command Post • Documents situation status • Provide IC/TL with timely information • Incident locations • Access routes • Identified hazards • Support locations • Squad Leaders – document actions taken

16. CERTS RESPONDING TO AN INCIDENT Whether it is a local neighborhood Team putting out road blocks and redirecting traffic until professional responders arrive, OR You are mobilized to assist with a larger scale incident ------ Knowing ICS will help you better integrate into disaster response efforts.

17. Dealing with the Media Refer media inquiries to CERT IC/TL Do not let media inhibit CERT goals Be careful about information released

18. NIMS Compliance • Ability to work together • IS-100 and IS-200 Introduction to ICS • IS-700.b: Introduction to NIMS • http://training.fema.gov/IS/NIMS.asp

19. CERT Mobilization CERTs take care of themselves, their families, their homes, their neighbors Proceed to predesignated staging area IC/TL is established, organizes the group IC/TL prioritizes actions Organization is flexible and evolves based on new information

20. CERT Mobilization (Manual pages 6-11) • You should have items for at least 72hrs • Need neighborhood “buddy” – you cannot effectively work alone • Document your arrival at staging area or, if authorized, by radio • Organize into squads according to needs and skills

22. Operations: Fire Suppression Teams • Team member safety is first priority • In Fire Suppression: • Shut-off utilities as needed • Extinguish small fires • Document activities • Document on Incident/Assignment Tracking Log

23. Operations: Search & Rescue Teams • Team member safety is first priority • In Search and Rescue: • Heavy damage = No rescue • Moderate damage = Locate, triage, evacuate • Light damage = Locate, triage, continue size-up • Document on Incident/Assignment Tracking Log

24. Operations: Medical Teams • Team member safety is first priority • In Medical Operations: • Set up treatment area • Triage victims again • Head-to-toe assessment • Treatment • Facilitate transport as needed • Document using Victim Treatment Area Record

25. Task is not completed until paperwork is done – even during disaster! Documentation • Must track • People • Priorities • Resources (Summary list of forms in Manual pgs 6-16 & 17) CERT Basic Training Unit 6: CERT Organization

26. Documentation Forms Damage Assessment (Windshield survey) Personnel Resources Sign-In (Planning) Incident/Assignment Tracking Log (Ops) Briefing Assignment (Operations) Survivor Treatment Area Record (Ops) Communications Log (Logistics) Equipment Inventory (Logistics) General Message (Everyone)

27. Documentation Flow

28. CERT Form: Damage Assessment Form 1 • To be filled out as you go to CP or staging • Also used in squad surveys of neighborhood • Used to help prioritize problems 6-27

29. Documentation Flow

30. CERT Form: Personnel Resources • Form 2 • Track CERT and SUV personnel at sign-in • Helps in selecting team members by expertise

31. Documentation Flow

32. CERT Form: Assignment Tracking • Form 3 • Documents what each team has done • Should match up with Form 1

33. Documentation Flow

34. CERT Form: Briefing Assignment Form 4 Operations gives team specific task Team documents its actions

35. CERT Form: Medical Treatment Form 5 • Kept at CP in Operations • Helps prioritize transportation of patients 6-34

36. Documentation Flow

37. CERT Form: Equipment Inventory • Form 7 • What you have and where it is • Helps identify needs you do not have CERT Basic Training Unit 6: CERT Organization

38. Unit Summary ICS provides flexible means of organization “Is it safe to attempt the rescue?” Document and communicate information to all CERT levels Provide Command Post with ongoing information about damage assessment, group status, and needs Command Post documents and tracks situation status

39. Homework Assignment Read unit 3 - Disaster Medicine I to be covered in next session Wear appropriate clothes to next session