Starting a CERT Program
Step 1: Assessing Needs
Developing Program Goals and Objectives
Clear program goals establish the basis for the CERT program in your community. Therefore, one of your first tasks as Program Coordinator will be to develop goal statements that reflect what you want the program to do.
Avoid General Goals
Often, Program Coordinators start with an overall goal for the program, such as . . .
". . . to improve the overall preparedness and response capability in the community."
However, such a general goal will not be enough to develop your program. You will need to develop one or more additional goal statements that will describe just how CERTs will accomplish the general goal.
Establish Specific Goals
Some examples of more specific goals for CERTs are:
- To enable neighborhood or workplace teams to prepare for and respond effectively to an event until professional responders arrive.
- To provide a link between neighborhood or workplace teams and professional responders.
Set Other Goals
You may wish to develop other goals, depending on how you intend to use your CERTs. These goals may include functions, such as:
- To improve community preparedness by improving the credibility of neighbor-to-neighbor information.
- To support the community's public safety efforts (through such efforts as installing smoke alarms or by providing standby medical support at community events, etc.).
Review Goal Setting Resources
Take time to browse the CERT website, talk to responders, citizens, and employers to see how CERTs could be used to the greatest benefit in your community. Then, develop one or more goals for your CERT program.
Acknowledgment: This job aid has been developed from materials and guidance provided by Rachel Jacky, Portland Fire Bureau, Portland, Oregon.