Definition
A CERT is a group of people organized as a neighborhood-based team that receives special training to enhance their ability
to recognize, respond to, and recover from a major emergency or disaster situation. Teams are trained by professional responders
in areas that will help them take care of themselves and others before, during and after a major emergency. As an organized
team, individuals can provide vital services in the absence of and while waiting for the arrival of emergency responders,
and they often assist once responders arrive.
History
The Community Emergency Response Team concept was developed and implemented by the City of Los Angeles Fire Department in
1985. The department recognized that citizens would very likely be on their own during the early stages of a catastrophic
disaster and that, with some basic training in disaster survival and rescue skills, they would be better able to survive and
help others until responders or other assistance could arrive.
More recently, East Coast cities have recognized the success of the CERT concept and have trained teams to meet local challenges. Many coastal communities, particularly in hurricane-prone areas, have already trained thousands of people. CERT training has proven so beneficial that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has recommended that CERT training be done nationwide. The Emergency Management Institute (EMI), in cooperation with the Los Angeles Fire Department, has expanded CERT materials and made them applicable for all contemporary hazards.
In Arlington County
Arlington has always had an all-disasters approach to emergencies. Among the more likely emergencies in our county are fires
and weather-related situations such as winter storms and tornadoes.
In addition, the events of September 11, 2001 made it abundantly clear that the resources of our public safety departments could become overwhelmed in a disaster. Citizens wanted to help and it quickly became apparent that the most helpful volunteers were those with some level of disaster-relief training. Thus emerged the concept of the first all-disaster, neighborhood-based CERTs in northern Virginia. The goal is to have a CERT in every Arlington neighborhood. To find out if there is a team where you live, go to the Team Locator.
Training
Anyone who lives in Arlington can apply for CERT training. CERTs can be created within already organized groups. Some examples
are:
Arlington has trained several neighborhood teams and will continue building on that base. As new people are trained, they
are referred to existing teams. As existing teams grow, they may choose to divide into smaller neighborhoods.
Trainees become full CERT members upon completion of all class sessions and a drill/practical exam, including eight classes over a six-week period, taught by local emergency response/management personnel. Each class is approximately 2 ½ hours and reading assignments are given at the end of each class. Also included are practical, table-top and team-building exercises.
See our photo album...
Areas of training include:
The final session includes a practical exam comprised of a set of disaster simulations to give trainees the ability to apply their newly acquired skills in a semi-realistic environment. Continuing and advanced education is available for interested graduates.
CERT members are expected to acquire certain supplies in addition to those that should be on hand in every household. A list of supplies is provided at the first CERT class. As some are provided by the county, students should not purchase them before that time.
Activities
Prior to an emergency, CERT members are expected to have an awareness of their own neighborhoods, and to pre-determine possible
evacuation sites that will facilitate effective, safe and rapid response to emergencies.
During a major emergency, where first responders are unable to respond immediately, CERT team members:
Activation
CERT members are activated:
Ongoing Participation
Those who complete the CERT training are expected to:
CERT in Other Communities
Below is a selection of helpful CERT websites.
