Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

What Is CERT?

CERT training focuses on increasing the level of SAFETY for those who will be stepping forward to assist after a disaster. CERT promotes a partnership between emergency services and the community members they serve. Emergency personnel train citizens in the community (that’s you!) who are then integrated into emergency response for their area. Basic emergency response skills taught during CERT training enable CERT members to help themselves, their families and their neighbors, thereby improving their ability to survive until additional assistance arrives.

In the wake of a disaster, emergency personnel and their resources may be overwhelmed by response needs. The goal of the CERT program is to help neighborhoods and communities respond safely to and recover from a disaster. This training is designed to encourage response and to give responders the tools and knowledge of how to do so safely. Disasters are long term events that can take months or years to recover from and CERT is just one course that is available to help prepare citizens. For more information about classes please contact Tammy Owen (503-663-4638).

Request A CERT Training Course

During A Disaster Everyone Has A Role
The life saving skills learned in CERT are so important that our trainers will work around your schedule! Talk to your employer, church, civic club or your friends and family - encourage them to participate in this life saving course. Your traditional Emergency Services Providers will NOT be able to utilize our community members’ skills unless they are incorporated into the Incident Command Structure! Contact any one of the trainers listed to schedule your CERT Course or to obtain additional information.

How Do I Request A Class?

• Recruit at least 15 students
• Suggest a location (Trainers have access to facilities - so having a location is not a requirement)
• Contact one of our Trainers below to schedule your class today!

East County CERT Contacts
The CERT course is a cooperative effort between: Boring, Corbett, Estacada, Hoodland and Sandy Fire Districts and all run their CERT training courses cooperatively. However, the following are your local CERT Coordinators and their contact information:

• Boring/Eagle Creek/Damascus Areas
  Tammy Owen (503-663-4638)
  
  
• Corbett/Aims/Bridlevail/Springdale Areas
  Kathleen Reiter (503-695-2766)
  
  
• Estacada Area
  Helen Turner (503-630-7712)
  
  
• Welches/Wemme/Rhodendendron/Brightwood/Zig Zag/Government Camp Areas
  Sandi Olsabeck (503-622-1984)

Course Specifics

• CERT training is 24 hours
• Courses can be designed in: 3 hour, 6 hour, 12 hour or any combination of 3 hr time segments
• This course incorporates a lot of information so students are strongly encouraged to dress comfortably and to sleep well the night(s) before class
• Class is ‘hands on’ - students must come prepared to ‘get to know each other’ and to fully participate
• Students from the community may be added to your course
• The manual for class costs $15. Picking up the manual in advance of class will improve students’ ability to retain the information provided. To save $15, you may download your manual - see website

Class Session Topics

• Disaster Preparedness
  The impact of disasters on, and hazards posed by, buildings and non structural items, hazardous material recognition, and the role of CERT in disaster response
  
  
• Disaster Fire Suppression
  Fire chemistry and behavior, reducing potential fire hazards, basic fire suppression techniques
  
  
• Disaster Medical Operations:
  Treatment for life-threatening conditions; principles of triage; how to lift and carry for patient movement; head-to-toe assessments; basic first aid treatments, and establishing treatment areas
  
  
• Search & Rescue and Disaster Psychology
  Techniques for situation size-up & rescuer safety, recognizing rescuer limitations, victim extrication, and disaster psychology
  
  
• Terrorism and Neighborhood Watch
  Hazards review and perimeter management, being a good witness and developing neighborhood ‘teams’
  
  
• Team Organization and Decision Making
  CERT organization, volunteer management, documentation, & resource allocation
  
  
• Final Exercise
  A "disaster simulation" exercise with "victims" to put your new skills to the test! Attendance at a Final is mandatory

For more information about CERT, click HERE. All aspects of Emergency Management (Mitigation, Preparedness, Response and Recovery) have classes that can be tailored to your audience and the length of time you have available. Please contact Tammy Owen to schedule your class or call 503-663-4638.