Boise To Host Citizen Emergency Response Team Western Conference
"Building on the Vision"
Release Date: June 1, 2004
Release Number: R10-04-101
BOISE, Idaho -- Hundreds of emergency managers, first responders and disaster volunteers will meet at the Doubletree Riverside Hotel in Boise June 26-27, to participate in the Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) Western Conference. Hosted by the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (IBHS), and sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency Regions 8 (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming) and Region 10 (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington) the two-day conference will engage attendees on a dozen topics designed around a central theme: Building on the Vision. According to IBHS Director Bill Bishop, the conference will directly engage audience experience without individual sessions and workshops.
This conference provides individuals, organizations and businesses engaged in community CERT volunteering with knowledge, skills, contacts and resources to further enhance their roles in the wake of terrorist strikes or natural disasters, said Bishop. It's designed as a vehicle to build, enhance and sustain CERT programs that definitively impact their respective communities.
John Pennington, Regional Director for FEMA Region 10 agrees. This conference unites local, state and federal officials with emergency managers, first responders and volunteers from across the nation to share successes, identify partners and replicate proven models to build stronger, healthier and more sustainable communities, said Pennington. It Builds on the Vision' to empower and support an inclusive culture of service that values volunteers and promotes their contributions to a stronger and more resilient America.
CERT training is based on the premise that if first responders are overwhelmed during a disaster, CERT-trained individuals can make a difference. Each CERT member completes 20 hours of training on disaster preparedness, basic disaster medical operations, fire safety, light search and rescue, and other essential topics. In the event of an emergency, CERT members can provide immediate assistance to victims, assist in organizing spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site and provide critical support to first responders.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and administers the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 02-Jun-2004 10:41:53