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Indiana CERT is a group of trained volunteers from neighborhoods and workplaces who are prepared for emergencies. Learn about their role and how to get involved.
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What is CERT? • Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) are formed by trained volunteers from a neighborhood or workplace who want to be better prepared for the hazards and emergencies which threaten their communities.
CERT in Indiana • Indiana CERT began in 2001 • Community Emergency Response Teams in Indiana: 48 • Individuals who have completed CERT basic training: 3,668 CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Disaster Preparedness
Where Does CERT Fit in? Local Responders Fire EMS Law Enforcement CERT CERT is supplementary to emergency responders.
What Can CERT Do? • Support first responders on scene during or after an emergency/disaster, including: • Earthquakes, • Fires, • Floods, • Man-made disasters • Search operations • Educatetheir communities on the importance of emergency preparation.
What CERT Cannot Do • CERTs DoNot: • Suppress large fires; • Enter structures that they consider heavily damaged and dangerous; • Perform hazardous materials cleanup; • Perform medical, fire, or search and rescue operations beyond their level of training; • Activate or deploy unless called for in their procedures.
Basic CERT Equipment Helmet Goggles N95 Mask Gloves (work and non-latex) Sturdy shoes orwork boots
Preparing for an Emergency • Learn about community alerts, warnings, and evacuation routes. • Take training. • Know local hazards, alerts, warning systems, evacuation routes, and sheltering plans. • Establish a family disaster plan: • Address specific needs for yourself and people you know. • Practice skills and disaster plans. • Network and help others. • Give feedback to community. • Report suspicious activity. • Volunteer.
Developing an Emergency Plan • Key Questions to Consider: • Where will you meet family members? • Who is your out-of-state “check-in” contact? • Will you have an extended stay? Shelter in place? Evacuate? • How will you escape your home? Workplace? School? Place of worship? • What route (and several alternates) will you use to evacuate your neighborhood? • Do you have transportation? • Did you practice your plan?
CERT Emergency Response • Protect family and personal safety first. • Respond in period immediately after a disaster. • Assist emergency response personnel when requested. • Respond after a disaster: • Locate and turn off utilities, if safe; • Extinguish small fires; • Treat injuries; • Conduct light search and rescue; • Help to relieve survivor stress.
Legal Protection for Disaster Workers • CERT members are generally protected by: • “Good Samaritan” laws • Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 • Indiana Code 34-30-12-1
Non-Emergency Roles • CERTs are not limited to only emergency response, they can provide many other valuable services to their communities: • Traffic control • Distributing smoke alarms • Promote community awareness of potential hazards and preparedness measures; • Supplement staffing at special events, such as parades;
Get Involved • Preparedness requires active participation from all: • Talk to friends and family about hazards; • Ask about emergency planning outside the home; • Make sure those in charge have a plan. • Training provides skills needed to help others and keeps skills current: • CERT program provides training, practice, and connection to others; • Participate in drills and exercises; • Talk to friends and family about volunteering.
