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CERT Frequently asked questions:
What is a CERT Member?
A CERT member is a
person who is trained to prepare for and respond after a disaster in their
neighborhood. A group of ten or more members of a neighborhood, apartment
complex, business, or similar residential area comprise a team. Even if you
are not affiliated with a team you may still serve.
Who may join a CERT?
Anyone who has an
interest in helping his or her neighborhood prepare for a disaster and
provide assistance afterward.
Where is the training conducted?
At one of Metro
Fire’s training sites throughout the county.
Why take the CERT
training?
Local government prepares for everyday
emergencies. However, there are emergencies and disasters that can overwhelm
the community’s immediate response capability. While adjacent jurisdictions,
State and Federal resources can activate to help, there may be a delay for
them getting to those who need help. The primary reason for CERT training is
to give people the decision-making and physical skills to offer immediate
assistance to family members, neighbors, and associates. While people will
respond to others in need without the training, the goal of the CERT program
is to help them do so effectively and efficiently without placing themselves
in unnecessary danger.
How much does it cost?
The training is free
to residents who reside in the response area of the Sacramento Metro Fire
District.
Can someone under age 18 participate?
Not at this time.
What if I have concerns
about my age or physical ability?
There are many jobs within a CERT. People
are needed for documentation, comforting others, tracking teams etc. Not
everyone is doing physical activity during an exercise or following a
disaster. During the training, if one has a concern about doing a skill like
lifting, just let the instructor know. You can learn from watching. We would
like everyone who wants to go through the training to have an opportunity to
participate.
Also, there are many jobs in maintaining
the CERT program. People can help by keeping databases, developing a website
and newsletter, and organizing activities within their team.
How do CERT members
maintain their skills?
CERT members maintain their skills by
attending three-hour quarterly refresher classes and eight-hour biannual
exercise where all CERT members are invited to participate.
Teams can also design activities and
exercises for themselves and with other teams.
What if I want to do
more than just the basic training?
CERT members may attend classes provided
by community agencies on mass care, shelter operations, animal care, special
needs concerns, advanced first aid, Automatic External Defibrillator use,
CPR skills, and others.
CERT members are a potential volunteer
pool for the community. They can help with special projects like
distributing preparedness material, staffing medical booths during special
events, and assisting with installation of smoke alarms for seniors or
special needs households. Some CERT members have sought additional training
opportunities in shelter management, community relations, and donations
management.
Where can I get
more information about the CERT program?
24-Hour CERT Information Line: (916) 566-4381
Email:
cert@smfd.ca.gov
This information line
will make available training schedules and other information relevant to the
CERT program.
You may also go to our Website Links page.
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