CERT Organization

CERT Organization CERT Basic Training Unit 6

Unit Objectives Describe the CERT structure Identify how CERTs interrelate with ICS Explain documentation requirements CERT Basic Training Unit 6: CERT Organization

Unit Topics Incident Management & Organization Mobilization Documentation

Principles of Onscene Management • Maintain the safety of disaster workers • Provide clear leadership and organizational structure • Improve effectiveness of rescue efforts

Incident OnsceneManagement Well-defined management structure Manageable span of control Common terminology Effective communication Consolidated action plans Comprehensive resource management Accountability

Identify scope of incident Determine overall strategy Deploy resources Document actions and results Objectives for On-Scene Management CERT Basic Training Unit 6: CERT Organization

What Is ICS? • The Incident Command System: • Is a standardized, on-scene, all-hazards incident management concept. • Allows its users to adopt an integrated organizational structure to match the complexities and demands of single or multiple incidents without being hindered by jurisdictional boundaries.

ICS Purposes • Using management best practices, ICS helps to ensure: • The safety of responders and others. • The achievement of tactical objectives. • The efficient use of resources.

NIMS Components Command and Management Preparedness Communications and Information Management Incident Command System Resource Management Multiagency Coordination Systems Ongoing Management and Maintenance Public Information

Authority Chain of Command • Chain of command is an orderly line of authority within the ranks of the incident management organization. • Unity of command means that every individual has a designated supervisor to whom he or she reports at the scene of the incident.

Incident Command System CERT Basic Training Unit 6: CERT Organization

Incident Commander The most qualifiedperson at the scene is designated as the Incident Commander. • The first responder arriving at an incident shall establish command • Upon arriving at an incident, a higher ranking person will either • assume command, • maintain commandas is, or • transfer commandto a third party.

Incident Commander’s Role • The Incident Commander: • Provides overall leadership for incident response. • Takes policy direction from the Executive/Senior Official. • Delegates authority to others. • Ensures incident safety. • Provides information to internal and external stakeholders. • Establishes and maintains liaison with other agencies participating in the incident. • Establishes incident objectives. • Directs the development of the Incident Action Plan.

Incident Commander Operations Section Planning Section Logistics Section Finance/Admin Section Who Does What? Finance/Admin: Monitors costs related to the incident. Provides overall fiscal guidance. Command: Overall responsibility for the incident. Sets objectives. Operations: Develops the tactical organization and directs all resources to carry out the Incident Action Plan. Logistics: Provides resources and all other services needed to support the incident. Planning: Develops the Incident Action Plan to accomplish the objectives.

CERT Operations (team concept) Command structure CERT Incident Commander/Team Leader (IC/TL) Command Post Expanded structure as needed

Dealing with the Media Refer media inquiries to Incident Command Public Information Officer (PIO) Do not let media inhibit CERT goals & tasks Be careful about information released, even in casual conversation As an individual responder with CERT training, you are NOT an authorized representative of EM, Police, Fire, etc – unless specifically assigned that duty by the overall Incident Commander

Social Media It is not appropriate to post or release incident information or pictures taken while performing CERT duties All information about an incident should be released only through the PIO and/or Joint Information Center Pictures may be taken by CERT responders for documentation purposes Unofficial information posted/released can quickly lead to confusion, rumor mongering, and improper/incorrect/dangerous actions by general public

NIMS Compliance Ability for all disciplines/responders to work together IS-100.a: Introduction to ICS IS-700.b: Introduction to NIMS http://training.fema.gov/IS/NIMS.asp

Mobilization – CERT Trained Individuals • CERTs take care of themselves, their families, their homes, their neighbors • Continue to work in area until professional responders arrive • Liaise with professional responders • Report info/actions taken • Follow further instructions from professional responders (assist/exit area)

CERT Tasks Based on Damage Level

Mobilization – CERT Trained Individuals Individuals should NEVER SELF-DEPLOY to any incident!!!

Individual Rescuer Safety Rescuer safety is first priority Heavy damage = No rescue Moderate damage = Locate, triage, evacuate Light damage = Locate, triage, continue sizeup, and document

Mobilization – Professional Responders • Respond to incident in safe manner • Assess scene • Stabilize/Secure area • Establish perimeters • Evacuate until safe • Conduct operations • Search / Rescue • Fire suppression • Triage / Treatment / Transport • HazMat containment / cleanup • Investigation • Render area safe

Documentation • Section Chiefs • Provide Command Post with information • Command Post • Documents situation status • Incident locations • Access routes • Identified hazards • Support locations

Write it down! Documentation CERT Basic Training Unit 6: CERT Organization

Documentation Forms Damage Assessment Personnel Resources Sign-In Incident/Assignment Tracking Log Briefing Assignment Victim Treatment Area Record Communications Log Equipment Inventory General Message

Documentation Flow CERT Basic Training Unit 6: CERT Organization

Damage Assessment Form • Completed by individuals as they work through their neighborhoods • Provides summary of overall hazards, including • Fires • Utility hazards • Structural damage • Injuries and casualties • Available access • Given to professional responders upon their arrival CERT Basic Training Unit 6: CERT Organization

Personnel Check-In Form (ICS-211) CERT Basic Training Unit 6: CERT Organization

Assignment Tracking Form CERT Basic Training Unit 6: CERT Organization

Victim Treatment Area Record CERT Basic Training Unit 6: CERT Organization

General Message Form (ICS-213) • Used for sending messages between command levels and groups • Messages should be clear and concise • Focus on key issues: • Assignment completion • Additional resources required • Special information • Status update CERT Basic Training Unit 6: CERT Organization

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

Read unit to be covered in next session Bring necessary supplies to next session Wear appropriate clothes to next session Homework Assignment CERT Basic Training Unit 6: CERT Organization

CERT Organization