Following a major disaster, first responders who provide fire and medical services will not be able to meet the demand for these services. Factors as number of victims, communication failures, and road blockages will prevent people from accessing emergency services they have come to expect at a moment's notice through 911. People will have to rely on each other for help in order to meet their immediate life saving and life sustaining needs.
Austin HSEM and the citizens of Austin need your help to prepare the community for a disaster. CERT provides an excellent opportunity for Austinites to play an important role in helping to safeguard, prepare for and respond to major emergencies in our community.
Training covers basic emergency preparedness, response capabilities, first aid, fire suppression and search and rescue procedures. CERT volunteers receive equipment to use when activated. The CERT program is supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
An Introduction to CERT
The Spring 2012/January CERT Class is full!
However, we may have cancellations between now and the first night of class (Jan. 31.) For this reason, we encourage you to go ahead and register for the training, so you can be put on the waiting list for this class or the next class. You will be notified either way.
If you’d like to join Austin CERT to be better prepared to help out during emergencies in our community, in your neighborhood, and at home, sign up. Click the online application link below to register for CERT training. Please contact Linda Haynie at 974-0471 if you have questions.
The 22 hours of required core training educates people about disaster preparedness for specific types of hazards, and trains them in basic disaster response skills and the role of a CERT volunteer.
Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management P.O. Box 1088 Austin, TX 78767-1088
Fax: 512-974-0499
Where:
C.T.E.C.C Austin - Travis County Emergency Operations Center 5010 Old Manor Rd. Austin, Tx 78723
Restrictions
Must be at least 18 years old.
Volunteers who wish to directly assist HSEM and first reponders during an activation of the Emergency Operations Center must be badged, and a criminal background check will be required in order to be issued a CERT badge.
Criminal backgrounds are not required to take part in CERT classes.
Winter 2012 CERT class schedule
Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (except for Saturday, March 10)
January 31: Disaster Preparedness
February 7: Fire Safety & Utility Controls
February 14 ♥ Disaster Medical Operations – Part 1
February 21: Disaster Medical Operations – Part 2
February 28: CERT Organization and Disaster Psychology
March 6:Terrorism and CERT
March 10*(SATURDAY: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m): Light Search & Rescue plus Disaster Simulation
In this video a fierce storm has struck the local community. CERT members activate in their neighborhood, set up an Incident Command Post, and assess damage throughout the area. They use their CERT skills to respond to damage and injured victims in the local community center, managing the situation until professional responders are able to arrive. This video provides a useful introduction to the CERT concept for new program participants and others who may be interested in the program.
