Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) & Individual and Family Preparedness

Transcription

1 Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) & Individual and Family Preparedness

2 Good Morning Vicki Garfola Michael Loper

3 Points of Discussion Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) Family Preparedness/Creating Personal Emergency Plans & Kits Resolve to be Ready in 2008

4 What is CERT? Trained citizens who assist communities in taking care of themselves in the aftermath of a major disaster when first responders are initially unavailable. CERT members do not replace a first responder s capability, but serve as an important supplement to it.

5 CERT Mission The mission of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is to provide the community with neighborhood based teams of trained volunteers who can respond immediately to any major disaster or emergency situation if professional first responders (police and fire/ems personnel) are not immediately available to help.

6 CERT History The Community Emergency Response Team concept was developed and implemented by the City of Los Angeles Fire Department in The Whittier Narrows earthquake of 1987 showed the need for preparing citizens to take care of themselves and their loved ones after a disaster. The department recognized that citizens would very likely be on their own during the early stages of a catastrophic disaster and that, with some basic training in disaster survival and rescue skills, they would be better able to survive and help others until responders or other assistance could arrive.

7 CERT History By 1993, the Federal Emergency Management Agency had made the program available nationwide; by 2003, CERT programs were offered in 45 states. CERT is currently offered in 50 states. CERT and Citizen Corps were transferred to the Office of Domestic Preparedness (now the Office of Grants and Training) in August 2004.

8 Goals and Objectives To protect the community from natural and man-made disasters. To enable neighborhood and workplace teams to prepare for and respond effectively to an event until professional responders arrive.

9 Responsibilities of a CERT 1. Self Rescue * such as grabbing a flashlight and putting on shoes 2. Family Rescue * for example, turning off the gas and utilizing the prepared emergency kit 3. Neighbor Rescue * systematically gathering information and assessing damaged buildings in the neighborhood 4. Coordination with Local Authority * such as providing the authorities the summary of their findings

10 What does CERT do in an emergency? Under the direction of local emergency responders, CERT teams help provide critical support by giving immediate assistance to victims, providing damage assessment information, and organizing other volunteers at a disaster site. Volunteers trained in CERT also offer a potential workforce for performing duties such as shelter support, crowd control and evacuation. The role of a CERT volunteer is to help themselves and to help others until trained emergency personnel arrive.

11 CERT in the Community In addition to supporting emergency responders during a disaster, the CERT program builds strong working relationships between emergency responders and the people they serve. CERT teams also help the community year-round by helping with community emergency plans, neighborhood exercises, preparedness outreach, fire safety education, and workplace safety.

12 Impact On INFRASTURCTURE Damage to roads Slows first responders Damage to communications Unable to phone for r help, Can t t alert first responders Damage to utilities Increase risk of fire, Inadequate water supply, Increase risk to public health

13 CERT Curriculum Emergency Preparedness Fire Safety Emergency Medical Operations Light Search and Rescue CERT Organization Disaster Psychology CERTs & Terrorism Course Review & Disaster Simulation

14 CERT members learn to Identify and reduce potential hazards in the home and community Turn off utilities Put out small fires Administer First-aid & CPR Conduct light SAR Work as a team Comfort those in need Prepare a disaster plan

15 CERT members also learn how to Prepare a disaster kit

16 What should go in a disaster kit?

17 Prepare a personal disaster kit Water three gallons for each person who would use the kit and an additional four gallons per person or pet for use if you are confined to your home Food a three-day supply in the kit and at least an additional four-day supply per person or pet for use at home * The American Red Cross and the CDC

18 Prepare a personal disaster kit Portable radio with extra batteries Flashlight and extra batteries First Aid Kit Important Family Documents and Emergency Contact Info Toilet tissue Emergency Tools * The American Red Cross

19 Prepare a personal disaster kit Special items baby supplies, eye glasses, pet supplies, etc. Sanitation supplies Blankets/sleeping bags per person One change of clothing per person Walking shoes Gloves * The American Red Cross

20 Prepare a First Aid kit Sterile adhesive bandages Safety pins Cleansing agent/soap Latex gloves (2 pairs) Sunscreen Sterile gauze Non-prescription drugs - Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever; Anti-diarrhea medication; Antacid Sterile roller bandages * The Disaster Preparedness Office

21 Prepare a First Aid kit Scissors Tweezers Needle Moistened towelettes Antiseptic Thermometer Tongue blades (2) Petroleum jelly or other lubricant * The Disaster Preparedness Office

22 Prepare a Family Disaster Plan Disaster situations are stressful and can create confusion. Keep it simple.

23 Prepare a Family Disaster Plan Learn about the natural disasters which could occur in your community Talk to the members of your household about potential emergencies and how to respond to them

24 Prepare a Family Disaster Plan Teach everyone in the household how and when to turn off the gas, water and electricity at the main switches Draw a floor plan of your house and mark escape routes Plan with your household how you would stay in contact if you were separated

25 Prepare a Family Disaster Plan Pick two places to meet: Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire Outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home or are asked to leave your neighborhood

26 Prepare a Family Disaster Plan Pick two out-of of-town contacts: A friend or relative who will be your household s primary contact A friend or relative who will be your household s alternative contact

27 Prepare a Family Disaster Plan Discuss what to do if a family member is injured or ill Discuss what to do in the circumstance that authorities advise you to shelter-in-place Discuss what to do if authorities advise you to evacuate * The American Red Cross

28 Prepare a Family Disaster Plan Plan where you would take your pets if you had to go to a public shelter where they are not permitted Post emergency numbers (fire, police, ambulance, etc.) by telephones. You may not have time in an emergency to look up critical numbers. * The American Red Cross and the CDC

29 Shelter-in in-place An emergency circumstance which was previously discussed

30 Shelter-in in-place "Shelter-in-Place" means to take immediate shelter where you are at. This may be home, work, or school. * The American Red Cross and CDC

31 How to Shelter-in in- Place The appropriate steps depend on the emergency situation. If you hear a warning signal, listen to local radio or television stations for further information. You will be told what to do, including where to find the nearest shelter if you are away from your "shelter-in-place" location. Prepare.org

32 Shelter-in in-place Close and lock all windows and exterior doors. If you are told there is danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds or curtains. Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Close the fireplace damper. Get your family disaster supplies kit and make sure the radio is working. A t H o m e Prepare.org

33 Shelter-in in-place Go to an interior room without windows that's above ground level. In the case of a chemical threat, an above-ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air, and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed. It is ideal to have a hard-wired telephone in the room you select. Call your emergency contact and have the phone available if you need to report a life-threatening condition. Cellular telephone equipment may be overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency. A t H o m e Prepare.org

34 Shelter-in in-place Use duct tape and plastic sheeting (heavier than food wrap) to seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room. Keep listening to your radio or television until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate. Local officials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in your community. A t H o m e Prepare.org

35 Shelter-in in-place Go inside Summary Turn off heaters and air conditioners and close fireplace dampers Close and seal all doors and windows Have your emergency kit ready and available Listen to your radio or TV Wait for the all clear signal before you move outside Prepare.org

36 Resolve to be Ready in 2008 Everyone should have a household preparedness plan that includes a disaster supply kit, observing home health and safety practices, and participating in fire/crime prevention and reporting. * The American Red Cross

37 Resolve to be Ready in 2008 DHS suggests three steps for successfully preparing for an emergency: 1. Prepare an emergency supply kit; 2. Make a family emergency plan; and 3. Be informed about the kinds of emergencies that can happen in your area and their appropriate responses * The Department of Homeland Security

38 Conclusion Since you never know when a disaster will strike or where you and your family will be, it s critical to be prepared and have a plan. If you are knowledgeable about what to expect in a major disaster and are aware of the proper steps to take after such a disaster it will reduces the likelihood that you will need assistance from emergency responders and thus relieve pressure on scarce resources such as rescuers and their equipment.

39 For more information The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( Your local American Red Cross ( OSHA/MiOSHA( The Department of Homeland Security ( CERT Citizen Corps ( Sgt. Kevin Sweeney, MSP, CERT Program Coordinator

40 Thank you! Any Questions