IS-317.a: Introduction to Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

All CERT training conforms to the National Incident Management System, (NIMS). What does the NIMS doctrine provide for the emergency response community?

A common, nationwide approach to enable emergency management personnel and volunteers to work together.

How would you describe a CERT sponsored by a fire department, emergency management departments, or a neighborhood club/association?

A community CERT

Who delivers the classroom and hands-on training you need to become a CERT volunteer?

A team of first responders and other qualified volunteers

What are the first tasks the Team Leader (TL) must perform after arriving at the staging area?

Assign volunteers to specific positions and prioritize response activities.

Three CERT volunteers are first on the scene of a car accident and provide assistance. This is an example of:

Being good samaritans

How do you become a CERT volunteer?

By completing this course and CERT Basic Training classroom-based course

Which of the following statements is true about working in a CERT?

CERT volunteers may be assigned to smaller teams for specific tasks

Which of the following statements is true about CERTs?

CERTS often support emergency response agencies with nonemergency projects in the community.

What is a college campus CERT most likely to focus on?

Campus emergency situations

Staffing parades, distributing disaster supply lists, and home safety checks are examples of CERT volunteers performing:

Community service

What is a benefit that CERT volunteers report after they complete training?

Confidence they can protect themselves and others and minimize property damage

CERT training promotes national resilience by:

Creating a culture of preparedness for all people

Aside from CERT Basic Training, your sponsoring organization may offer additional training on emergency flood response and which subject below?

Emergency communications

Which of the following statements is true about the ideal CERT volunteer?

Everyone, regardless of age, has the ability to contribute in some way to a CERT.

How do CERT volunteers prepare for disasters?

Hands-on practice and realistic exercises

What is the one key question a CERT member must consider while working?

Is it safe for me to do this task?

Which of the following CERT Basic topic covers size-up, rescue techniques, and rescuer safety?

Light Search and Rescue Operations

By learning how to safely respond to man-made, technological, and national disasters, CERT volunteers contribute to:

National resilience

Assisting elderly and physically limited neighbors with securing trashcans and patio furniture are examples of what kind of activities?

Preparation

The CERT Program trains community volunteers in basic fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations. What else might a CERT volunteer learn during CERT Basic Training?

Response skills for possible local hazards, such as hurricanes of avalanches

Volunteer teams assigned to tasks have at least 3 members. One must be the leader. What other role must be filled on the team?

Runner

What is the main benefit from applying the CERT organizational structure during a disaster response?

The ability to direct team responses to do the most good for the most people in the shortest amount of time

Generally, why do people join a CERT?

To better prepare for hazards and protect themselves, loves ones, and their neighbors.

What is a main feature of the CERT program

Trained volunteers use a consistent, nationwide approach to support emergency responders with disaster preparedness and response.

When you respond to a disaster as a CERT volunteer, how can you establish priorities and make decisions about how and if your team will respond?

Write down locations and types of damage you see on the way to your staging area