FAQ

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CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team and is made up of volunteers who are trained to respond safely, responsibly, and effectively to emergency situations. They can also support their communities during non-emergency events as well.

Local government prepares for everyday emergencies. However, there can be an emergency or disaster 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 in getting to those who need them. The primary reason for CERT training is to give people the decision-making, organizational, and practical skills to offer immediate assistance to family members, neighbors, and associates while waiting for help. While people will respond to others in need without the training, the goal of the CERT program is to help people do so effectively and efficiently without placing themselves in unnecessary danger.

People who go through CERT training have a better understanding of the potential threats to

their home, workplace, and community and can take the proper steps to lessen the effects of these

hazards on themselves, their homes, or their workplaces. If a disaster overwhelms local

response capability, CERT members can apply the training learned in the classroom and during

exercises to support their family, loved ones, neighbors, or associates in their

immediate area until help arrives. When help does arrive, CERTs provide valuable information to

responders and support their efforts, as directed, at the disaster site. CERT members can also

assist with non-emergency projects that improve the safety of the community. CERTs have

been used to distribute and/or install smoke alarms, replace smoke alarm batteries in the home

of the elderly, distribute disaster education material, provide services at special events, such as

parades, sporting events, concerts, and more.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and Sun City Area CERT offers citizens the complete FEMA Community Emergency Response Team training, which consists of 24 hours of lecture and hands-on skills training to assist in preparing citizens to take care of themselves, their family, and their neighborhood during a catastrophic event.

There are many jobs within a CERT for someone who wants to be involved and help. Following a disaster, CERT members are needed for documentation, comforting others, logistics, etc. Non-disaster-related team activities may include keeping databases, writing a newsletter, planning activities, helping with special events, and organizing exercises and activities. Disaster and life’s everyday emergencies. A solution to this item.

There are many jobs within a CERT for someone who wants to be involved and help. Following a disaster, CERT members are needed for documentation, comforting others, logistics, etc. Non-disaster-related team activities may include keeping databases, writing a newsletter, planning activities, helping with special events, and organizing exercises and activities. disaster and life’s everyday emergencies. A solution to this item.

Disaster Medical Operations Part 1. Treatment strategies for life-threatening conditions and the principles of triage.the classes themselves. The course includes the following:

• Disaster Preparedness. Introduction to disasters specific to the community, and the impact of disasters on infrastructure.
• Disaster Fire Suppression. Identifying and reducing potential fire hazards and basic fire suppression.
• Disaster Medical Operations Part 1. Treatment strategies for life-threatening conditions and principle of triage.
• Disaster Medical Operations Part 2. Head-to-toe patient assessment and treatment for various injuries.
• CPR / AED Training. The updated CPR procedures and AED use will be demonstrated. These classes are scheduled separately from the weekly CERT classes.
• Terrorism and CERT. A brief overview of terrorism weapons. Identifying targets in an area and discussing time/ distance/ shielding.ty.
• CERT Organization. Identifying the CERT Organization and how CERT relates to the Incident Command System; Explain the importance of documentation.
• Disaster Psychology. The post disaster emotional environment will be discussed.
• Terrorism and CERT. A brief overview of terrorism weapons. Identifying targets in an area and discuss time/ distance/ shielding.
• Final Exercise. Disaster simulation realistic to your community. This will be a hands-on class participation exercise.

The course outline is subject to change. **Additional courses outside the basic CERT class are offered on future dates.

There is no charge to attend the class. However, the class size is limited to the first twenty-five (25) approved applicants, so sign up quickly.

As a CERT member, you must maintain your emergency supplies, CERT skills, and contact information. You will be encouraged to participate in ongoing training and refresher opportunities and, as much as possible, assist the CERT program to the best of your abilities.

Program assistance may take the form of helping out at training classes, drills, outreach, and other events. You can also help by talking about CERT with family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to spread the word about our program and encourage all to take our training.