CITIZEN CORPS&

CERT ORGANIZATIONS

What is Citizen Corps?

Following the tragic events that occurred on September 11, 2001, state and local government officials have increased opportunities for citizens to become an integral part of protecting the homeland and supporting the local first responders. Officials agree that the formula for ensuring a more secure and safer homeland consists of preparedness, training, and citizen involvement in supporting first responders. In January 2002, President George W. Bush launched USA Freedom Corps, to capture the spirit of service that has emerged throughout our communities following the terrorist attacks.

What is Citizen Corps?

Citizen Corps, a vital component of USA Freedom Corps, was created to help coordinate volunteer activities that will make our communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to any emergency situation. It provides opportunities for people to participate in a range of measures to make their families, their homes, and their communities safer from the threats of crime, terrorism, and disasters of all kinds.

What is Citizen Corps?

Citizen Corps programs build on the successful efforts that are in place in many communities around the country to prevent crime and respond to emergencies. Programs that started through local innovation are the foundation for Citizen Corps and this national approach to citizen participation in community safety.

What is Citizen Corps?

Citizen Corps is coordinated nationally by the Department of Homeland Security. In this capacity, DHS works closely with other federal entities, state and local governments, first responders and emergency managers, the volunteer community, and the White House Office of the USA Freedom Corps.

National

American Public

AffiliateProgramsAre You Ready?

Citizen Corps Council

State Citizen Corps Councils

Tribal / Local Citizen Corps Councils

American PublicAmerican Public

Federal Partner Programs

AffiliatePrograms

Citizen Preparedness ~ Training & Exercises ~ Volunteer Service

Are You Ready?

DHS DOJ/NSA DOJ/IACP DHS/G&T DHHS/OSG DHS/USFANVFC/IAFF/IAFC

Office of Grants and Training

Citizen Corps Mission

To have everyone in America participate in making themselves, our communities, and

our nation safer

We all have a role in hometown security A personal responsibility to be prepared; To get training in first aid and emergency skills; and To volunteer to support local emergency responders,

disaster relief, and community safety.

Citizen Corps Affiliates

In 95% of all emergencies, bystanders or victims themselves are the FIRST to provide emergency assistance or to perform a rescue.

Los Angeles Fire Department

The Need to be Ready

One firefighter for every 265 people

One sworn officer for every 334 people

One EMT/paramedic for every 325 people

First Responders Per Capita

Journal of Emergency Medical Services (2004); National Fire Protection Association (2003); National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (2003)

Citizen Corps

Citizen Corps asks you to embrace the personal Responsibility to be prepared; to get training in first aid and emergency skills; and to volunteer to support local emergency responders, disasterRelief, and community safety.

•Currently there are:•2,303 Councils which serve•223,200,849 people or•78% of the total U.S. population

CERT Concept

Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) are formed by members of a neighborhood or workplace who want to better prepare for the hazards that threaten their communities.

CERT Concept

CERT allows community members to become active participants in learning about their hazards and preparing for them.

CERT Concept

After training, CERT members augment emergency services capabilities, when called upon, by learning skills that they can apply following a disaster

CERT Concept

The use of CERTs has grown from the original concept of involving community members in earthquake response operations to a program with merit for all communities and all disasters.

CERTs Role

Agencies like Fire, Police, Public Works, and Emergency Medical work to provide immediate response in disasters. However, during disasters, these organizations may not be able to meet immediate needs because of demands and disrupted communication and transportation systems. It is possible that following a disaster, CERTs may respond to immediate needs in their neighborhoods or workplaces.

Key Points: Disasters are unexpected, overwhelming, and

dangerous. CERT teams operating in their areas can extend the

capabilities of response organizations to minimize damage to life and property.

CERTs Role

Disaster Response CERTs respond in the period immediately

following a disaster. CERT members are trained to perform many immediate response functions when professional responders are delayed.

After professional responders arrive, CERTs may assist them with critical support activities.

CERT and ICS (Incident Command System)

Basic ICS Structure

Incident Commander

Operations Section Chief

Logistics Section Chief

Planning Section Chief

Administration Section Chief

CERT Structure

CERT Command Structure

Operations Section Chief

Fire Suppression Group Leader

Search and Rescue Group Leader

Medical Group Leader

Fire Suppression Team A

Fire Suppression Team B

Fire Suppression Team C

Staging Area

S & R Team A

S & R Team B

S & R Team C

Triage Team

Treatment Team

Morgue Team

Need for CERT Organization

Provides: Common terminology that contributes to effective

communication and shared understanding. Effective communication among team members. A well-defined management structure. Accountability.

Objectives of CERT Organization

Identify the scope of an incident Determine an overall strategy Deploy resources Document actions and results

Purpose of On-Scene Management

MAINTAIN SAFETY OF DISASTER WORKERS FIRST AND FOREMOST!

Provide clear leadership and organizational structure.

Improve effectiveness of rescue efforts.

CERT Decisionmaking

Heavy damage = No rescue Moderate damage = Minimize rescuers and time

in building Light damage = Locate, triage, treat, and prioritize

victim removal

Responsibilities for Documentation

Provide command post with ongoing information. Document incident status.

Incident locations Access routes Identified hazards Support locations

Southern Union Education System and ACTS World Relief

The objective of the Southern Union Education System and ACTS World Relief in using students is to support first responders, after they have set up a secure place to stay, by providing them and incident survivors with: Food Water Emotional support Manpower for things such as:

• Debris removal

• Community needs surveys

• Loading and unloading supplies

• Etc.

What we are going to do today

CERT Functions & Preparedness Search & Rescue Fire Safety Hazardous Materials Triage Medical Treatment Psychological Symptoms IS-317 Examination 100% of the class receiving IS-317 Certification

This training is provided by the Southern Union Education System and ACTS World Relief for the

express purpose of training the youth of our church to provide effective service to others in

their time of extreme need.