Abrasion Intermediate
The second A in DCAP-BTLS — a scrape.
Clean an abrasion gently and cover it to prevent infection.
Section 4, slide 18
Home/CERT Reference Guide/Glossary
CERT glossary
The terms of CERT Basic Training and the field references, each with a definition, a note on why it matters and where it is covered.
216 terms
A
Accountability Intermediate
Knowing where every team member is at all times.
An accountability system prevents responders from becoming lost or forgotten.
Section 6, slide 5Active shooter Intermediate
An armed person actively engaged in harming people.
Run, hide, or fight, in that order of preference, in an active shooter incident.
In the field referencesAED Core
Automated External Defibrillator (acronym).
An AED talks you through shocking a heart back into a normal rhythm.
In the field referencesAffiliated Intermediate
Trained and registered with a recognized volunteer org, unlike a spontaneous (SUV) one.
Being affiliated — with CERT, VOAD, MRC, or Team Rubicon — is what lets a volunteer's skills actually be put to use during a disaster.
In the field referencesAftershock Advanced
A smaller quake that follows the main earthquake.
Aftershocks can topple structures already weakened — stay cautious.
Section 1Airway Core
Open it with a head-tilt, chin-lift — the A in ABC.
Airway is the first life-threat checked; open it before assessing breathing.
Section 3, slide 2Alarm Core
The Red Cross "Sound the alarm" campaign installs these for free.
A working smoke alarm cuts the risk of dying in a home fire in half.
In the field referencesAllergies Core
The A in a SAMPLE history.
Ask about allergies before assisting with any medication.
Section 3Alpha Core
NATO phonetic alphabet letter for A.
Say 'Alpha' instead of 'A' on the radio so it isn't confused with another letter.
Anaphylaxis Advanced
Severe, rapid, whole-body allergic reaction.
Anaphylaxis is life-threatening and can close the airway — get EMS fast.
Section 4, slide 56Annex Intermediate
A hazard-specific annex extends CERT's core training.
FEMA's CERT Hazard-Specific Annex covers hazards — like earthquakes or wildfires — beyond the eight core sections.
In the field referencesAt-risk Intermediate
An at-risk population may need extra help in a disaster.
Age, disability, language, or medical needs can put someone at greater risk — plan outreach accordingly.
In the field referencesAVPU Intermediate
Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive (mental-status acronym).
AVPU is a fast way to check a patient's level of consciousness.
Section 3B
Backdraft Advanced
Explosive reignition when oxygen rushes into a superheated, smoke-filled room.
Never open a hot door fast — a backdraft can level a room instantly.
Section 2Bandage Core
Cloth used to hold a dressing in place.
A bandage secures a dressing; the dressing covers the wound itself.
Section 4, slide 30Batteries Core
Store extra batteries for flashlights and radios.
Rotate stored batteries periodically so they're fresh when you need them.
Section 1Bleeding Intermediate
Control it first with direct pressure.
Severe bleeding is a top life-threat; use direct pressure, then a tourniquet if needed.
Section 3, slide 2Bravo Core
NATO phonetic alphabet letter for B.
'Bravo' is clearer over a radio than a spoken 'B'.
Briefing Intermediate
The IC gives you one before you deploy.
A briefing covers your assignment, the hazards, and communications.
Section 6, slide 15Buddy Intermediate
The buddy system keeps responders working in pairs.
Never operate alone — the buddy system improves safety and accountability.
Section 7Burn Core
The second B in DCAP-BTLS.
Cool a burn, then cover it with a sterile dressing to reduce infection risk.
Section 4, slide 5C
Capillary Advanced
Capillary refill under 2 seconds shows good perfusion.
Press a nail bed; capillary refill helps judge perfusion during START.
Section 3, slide 11CBRNE Advanced
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive (acronym).
CBRNE names terrorism hazard types; recognize, retreat, and report.
Section 8, slide 3CERT Core
Community Emergency Response Team (acronym).
CERT volunteers do the greatest good for the greatest number until professionals arrive.
Section 1, slide 3Charlie Core
NATO phonetic alphabet letter for C.
'Charlie' avoids confusion between C and other similar-sounding letters.
Check-in Core
Report here when you arrive to help at an incident.
Check in with the IC or staging area so you're accounted for and assigned a task.
Section 1, slide 21CISA Intermediate
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (acronym).
CISA publishes the active-shooter and infrastructure-security guidance in this guide's Field Reference.
In the field referencesClass A Core
Fire class for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper.
Class A fires are the most common and the most forgiving — water works fine.
Section 2, slide 19Class B Intermediate
Fire class for flammable and combustible liquids.
Never use water on a Class B fire — smother it with dry chemical or foam instead.
Section 2, slide 19Class C Intermediate
Fire class for energized electrical equipment.
Use a non-conductive agent like CO2 on a Class C fire — water can electrocute you.
Section 2, slide 7Class D Advanced
Fire class for combustible metals like magnesium.
Class D fires need a specialized dry powder, poured on rather than sprayed.
Section 2, slide 7Class K Intermediate
Fire class for cooking oils and kitchen greases.
A wet-chemical agent forms a soapy foam blanket over a Class K fire.
Section 2, slide 7Cold zone Intermediate
The safe area at a hazmat scene, for command and staging.
Command posts and staging areas belong in the cold zone, upwind of the hazard.
In the field referencesCommand Intermediate
The first ICS function established at an incident.
Command sets objectives; everyone reports up a single chain of command.
Section 6, slide 7Compassion fatigue Advanced
Emotional exhaustion from repeatedly helping others in distress.
Compassion fatigue builds up over time in responders — watch for it in yourself and teammates.
Section 7Contusion Advanced
A bruise — the C in DCAP-BTLS.
A contusion can hint at deeper injury beneath the skin.
Section 4, slide 18CPR Core
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (acronym).
CPR keeps blood moving to the brain until an AED or EMS arrives.
In the field referencesCribbing Intermediate
Wood framework that stabilizes a load before lifting.
Box cribbing supports debris so rescuers aren't crushed — lift an inch, crib an inch.
Section 5, slide 36D
Danger Core
What you scan for during scene size-up.
Spot danger before you act so you don't become another victim.
Section 1Debriefing Intermediate
A structured discussion after a difficult incident.
Debriefing helps responders process what happened and spot who needs more support.
Section 7, slide 10Debris Intermediate
Rubble that must be moved or stabilized to reach victims.
Move debris carefully — leverage and cribbing prevent further collapse.
Section 5, slide 6Decon Intermediate
Short for decontamination.
Decon removes hazardous contaminants from people and equipment.
Section 2Deformity Intermediate
The D in DCAP-BTLS.
A deformity — an abnormal body shape — can signal a fracture or dislocation.
Section 3Delayed Intermediate
The yellow START triage tag.
Delayed (yellow) patients can wait a short time for treatment.
Section 3, slide 19Delta Core
NATO phonetic alphabet letter for D.
'Delta' is used in place of D for clear radio communication.
Demobilization Intermediate
Safely and orderly releasing resources once they're no longer needed.
Demobilization is planned, not just 'everyone goes home' — track who leaves and when.
Section 6Document Intermediate
Record findings on the triage document.
Document the triage category and key findings so EMS can act fast.
Section 3, slide 17Doff Intermediate
To carefully remove your PPE.
Doff PPE slowly to avoid self-contamination, then wash your hands.
Section 3Dressing Core
Sterile pad placed directly on a wound.
Put a dressing on the wound first, then wrap it with a bandage.
Section 4, slide 7E
Earthquake Core
Sudden shaking of the ground caused by shifting tectonic plates.
Drop, cover, and hold on is the standard earthquake response.
In the field referencesEcho Core
NATO phonetic alphabet letter for E.
'Echo' stands in for E on the radio.
Electric Intermediate
Utility shut off at the main breaker panel.
Kill electricity at the main breaker if there's a shock or fire risk.
Section 2Escape Core
Plan two ways out of every room — escape routes.
Practice home escape routes so everyone can get out quickly.
Section 1, slide 21Evacuation Advanced
Orderly movement of people away from danger.
Know your primary and secondary evacuation routes before you need them.
Section 1, slide 9Exterior search Intermediate
Searching around the outside of a structure for survivors.
An exterior search checks yards, cars, and outbuildings near a damaged home.
Section 5, slide 33Extinguisher Core
Portable device that puts out a small fire.
Know PASS and check your extinguisher's class before you reach for one.
Section 2, slide 2Extreme heat Core
A prolonged period of dangerously high temperatures.
Extreme heat is one of the deadliest weather hazards — check on vulnerable neighbors.
In the field referencesF
Finance Intermediate
ICS section that tracks costs and documentation.
Finance/Administration tracks the incident's costs and paperwork.
Section 6First aid Core
A first aid kit belongs in every home, car, and CERT bag.
A basic first aid kit lets you treat minor injuries before EMS arrives.
Section 1, slide 32Flammable Intermediate
Placard warning for an easily ignited liquid.
Keep flammable materials away from heat and ignition sources.
Section 2, slide 7Flashlight Core
Battery-powered light — a kit essential.
Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries in every disaster kit and vehicle.
Section 1Flashover Advanced
Sudden, simultaneous ignition of everything combustible in a room.
Flashover is a lethal fire-growth stage — well beyond anything CERT should approach.
In the field referencesFlood Core
Water covering normally dry land.
Turn around, don't drown — most flood deaths happen in vehicles.
In the field referencesFoxtrot Core
NATO phonetic alphabet letter for F.
'Foxtrot' replaces F to avoid confusion with S over the radio.
Fracture Intermediate
A broken or cracked bone.
Immobilize a fracture and watch the patient for shock.
Section 4, slide 4Fuel Core
The combustible side of the fire triangle.
Remove any side of the fire triangle — fuel, heat, or oxygen — and the fire goes out.
Section 2, slide 4Fulcrum Intermediate
The pivot point for a lever.
Place the fulcrum close to the load for the greatest lifting power.
Section 5Full-thickness Advanced
The most severe burn classification — through all skin layers.
A full-thickness burn can look white or charred and may not hurt due to nerve damage.
Section 4, slide 25G
Gas Core
Utility you shut off at the meter if you smell it.
If you smell gas, shut it off at the meter — never use a flame or light switch.
Section 2, slide 11GCS Advanced
Glasgow Coma Scale (acronym), scored 3 to 15.
GCS scores eye, verbal, and motor response to gauge consciousness.
Section 3GDACS Advanced
Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (acronym).
GDACS is a UN/EU-backed alert network that flags major disasters worldwide, usually within hours.
In the field referencesGHS Advanced
Globally Harmonized System (acronym) of hazard pictograms.
GHS pictograms give hazardous materials a consistent look across labels worldwide.
In the field referencesGloves Core
Hand PPE that guards against bodily fluids.
Always wear gloves during medical operations to prevent disease transmission.
Section 3, slide 21Go-bag Core
A portable, grab-and-run version of your emergency kit.
Keep a go-bag by the door — it's your kit, ready to move with you.
In the field referencesGolf Core
NATO phonetic alphabet letter for G.
'Golf' stands in for G on the radio.
Greyshirt Advanced
Team Rubicon's own name for its volunteers, after the color of their shirt.
Team Rubicon's value statement is "Mission First, Greyshirts Always."
In the field referencesGrief Core
The emotional response to loss.
Grief has no fixed timeline — be patient with survivors and yourself.
Section 7, slide 5H
Haiti Intermediate
Site of the 2010 earthquake that was Team Rubicon's founding operation.
Team Rubicon's founders crossed into Haiti to help after the 2010 earthquake — the org's name itself references crossing a river with no turning back.
In the field referencesHasty search Intermediate
A quick first pass through a structure calling for survivors.
A hasty search finds the walking wounded fast, before a slower, thorough search.
Section 5Hazard Core
A potential source of danger at a scene.
Identify hazards during size-up: fire, gas, downed wires, unstable structures.
Section 1, slide 4Heat Core
Side of the fire triangle removed by cooling with water.
Water cools a fire, removing the heat side of the fire triangle.
Section 2, slide 6Heimlich Intermediate
Abdominal thrust maneuver for a choking victim.
The Heimlich maneuver can clear an airway blocked by food or an object.
In the field referencesHelmet Core
Head PPE worn on a search-and-rescue scene.
A helmet protects against falling and overhead debris.
Section 5Hot zone Intermediate
The most contaminated area at a hazmat scene.
Only properly equipped, trained personnel enter the hot zone — never CERT.
In the field referencesHotel Core
NATO phonetic alphabet letter for H.
'Hotel' replaces H for clear radio spelling.
Hurricane Core
A powerful tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 74 mph or more.
Hurricanes bring wind, storm surge, and inland flooding — plan for all three.
In the field referencesHypothermia Advanced
Dangerous drop in core body temperature.
Treat hypothermia: remove wet clothing and rewarm the patient gradually.
Section 4, slide 46I
ICS Intermediate
Incident Command System (acronym).
ICS is the management structure CERT plugs into once professional responders arrive.
In the field referencesIDLH Advanced
Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (acronym).
Never enter an IDLH atmosphere — it is beyond CERT scope; wait for professionals.
Section 2IED Intermediate
Improvised Explosive Device (acronym).
Recognize, retreat, and report an IED — CERT never attempts to disarm one.
Section 8Ignition Intermediate
The point at which a fuel starts to burn.
Removing an ignition source is one way to prevent a fire before it starts.
Section 2Immediate Intermediate
The red START triage tag.
Immediate (red) patients have life-threats and are treated first.
Section 3, slide 19Incident commander Core
The single person in charge of an incident under ICS.
The Incident Commander sets objectives and has overall authority on scene.
Section 6, slide 8Incipient Intermediate
The beginning fire stage CERT may safely fight.
Only fight a small, incipient-stage fire with a clear exit at your back.
Section 2India Core
NATO phonetic alphabet letter for I.
'India' stands in for I on the radio.
Interior search Intermediate
Searching inside a structure for survivors.
Only conduct an interior search if the structure is safe enough to enter.
Section 5J
Juliett Core
NATO phonetic alphabet letter for J.
'Juliett' is spelled with two Ts in the official radio alphabet.
K
Kilo Core
NATO phonetic alphabet letter for K.
'Kilo' stands in for K on the radio.
Kit Core
Your go-kit of disaster supplies.
Keep a 72-hour kit with water, food, light, and first aid.
Section 1L
Laceration Advanced
A jagged cut — the L in DCAP-BTLS.
Control laceration bleeding with direct pressure.
Section 4, slide 18Lahar Advanced
A volcanic mudflow of ash, rock, and water.
A lahar can travel fast and far from a volcano — well beyond the area that looks at risk.
In the field referencesLandslide Intermediate
A mass of rock, earth, or debris moving down a slope.
Heavy rain after a wildfire raises landslide risk on burned, unstable slopes.
In the field referencesLean-to Intermediate
A void type where one end of a slab stays supported while the other drops.
A lean-to void leaves a wedge-shaped gap — search along the supported end.
Section 5, slide 23Lever Intermediate
Simple machine used with a fulcrum to move debris.
A lever multiplies your force to lift a heavy load off a victim.
Section 5Leverage Intermediate
What a lever and fulcrum give you to lift debris.
Leverage lets a few rescuers safely move a heavy load.
Section 5Liaison officer Intermediate
ICS command-staff role that coordinates with outside agencies.
The Liaison Officer is the point of contact for agencies assisting the incident.
Section 6Lima Core
NATO phonetic alphabet letter for L.
'Lima' replaces L for clear radio spelling.
Lockdown Core
Securing a location and restricting movement in and out.
A lockdown is used when a threat is inside or near a building.
Section 8Logistics Advanced
ICS section that supplies resources and equipment.
Logistics gets responders the tools, food, and gear they need.
Section 6M
Marking Intermediate
FEMA search marking uses a slash, then an X.
Search markings tell other teams a structure's status.
Section 5, slide 25Medications Core
The second M in a SAMPLE history.
Current medications can explain symptoms or complicate treatment.
Section 3Mike Core
NATO phonetic alphabet letter for M.
'Mike' stands in for M — don't confuse it with 'November'.
Minor Intermediate
The green tag for the walking wounded.
Minor (green) patients can often help themselves and others.
Section 3, slide 20Mitigation Advanced
Actions taken before a disaster to reduce its impact.
Mitigation — like strapping water heaters — lessens future damage.
Section 1, slide 15Mutual aid Intermediate
An agreement where agencies share resources across jurisdictions.
Mutual aid lets a small town borrow a neighboring department's engine or crew.
In the field referencesN
NIMS Intermediate
National Incident Management System (acronym).
NIMS gives agencies a common structure so they can work together.
Section 6, slide 10November Core
NATO phonetic alphabet letter for N.
'November' replaces N for clear radio spelling.
NWS Core
National Weather Service (acronym).
The NWS issues the official watches and warnings behind every severe-weather alert.
In the field referencesO
Onset Core
The O in OPQRST — when the pain or symptom began.
Sudden onset versus gradual onset can point to very different problems.
Section 3Operations Intermediate
ICS section that carries out the tactical response.
Operations does the hands-on work of achieving the incident objectives.
Section 6, slide 8OPQRST Intermediate
Onset, Provocation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, Time (pain-assessment acronym).
OPQRST digs into a patient's pain to help sort out what's wrong.
Section 3Oscar Core
NATO phonetic alphabet letter for O.
'Oscar' stands in for O on the radio.
OSHA Intermediate
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (acronym).
OSHA sets the workplace PPE and hazard-communication standards behind CERT's own PPE training.
In the field referencesOxygen Core
Fire-triangle gas that air supplies.
Smothering removes oxygen, one side of the fire triangle.
Section 2, slide 6P
Pancake Intermediate
A void type where a floor drops flat onto the level below.
A pancake void is held up at the edges by furniture or debris underneath.
Section 5, slide 23Pandemic Intermediate
An epidemic that has spread across multiple countries or continents.
Pandemic planning covers supply stockpiling, hygiene, and reducing exposure.
In the field referencesPapa Core
NATO phonetic alphabet letter for P.
'Papa' replaces P to avoid confusion with B and D.
PASS Intermediate
Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep (extinguisher acronym).
PASS is the technique for operating a fire extinguisher.
Section 2Perfusion Advanced
Blood flow to the tissues, judged in START triage.
Capillary refill and pulse indicate perfusion when sorting patients.
Section 3Perimeter Core
The outer boundary you set around a scene.
Establishing a perimeter keeps bystanders out and helps you control the scene.
Section 1Pillowcase Intermediate
The pillowcase Project — a Red Cross classroom program teaching kids disaster prep.
Inspired by New Orleans students who carried belongings in pillowcases evacuating Hurricane Katrina; it's since reached over a million children.
In the field referencesPlan Core
Every household should make an emergency plan.
A family emergency plan covers meeting spots, contacts, and evacuation routes.
Section 1, slide 7Planning Intermediate
ICS section that tracks resources and develops the action plan.
Planning keeps a running picture of the incident and what happens next.
Section 6Portable Advanced
A portable extinguisher is the type CERT carries.
A portable extinguisher only handles small fires — know its limits.
Section 2, slide 17PPE Core
Gloves, goggles, helmet — Personal Protective Equipment (acronym).
Don your PPE before entering any scene to guard against injury and contamination.
Section 3, slide 21Prescriptions Core
Keep a list and extra supply of these in your kit.
Running out of medication mid-disaster can turn into its own emergency.
Section 1Pressure Intermediate
Direct pressure is the first step to stop bleeding.
Direct pressure controls most bleeding within minutes.
Section 3, slide 13Provocation Intermediate
The P in OPQRST — what makes the pain better or worse.
Provocation and palliation both live under the same OPQRST letter.
Section 3Pulse Core
The P in the RPM triage check.
Check the radial pulse during START; an absent radial pulse signals poor perfusion.
Section 4, slide 53Puncture Intermediate
The P in DCAP-BTLS — a deep, narrow wound.
Don't remove an impaled object from a puncture wound — stabilize it in place.
Section 4, slide 18Q
Quadrant Advanced
Each colored section of the NFPA 704 diamond.
NFPA 704 quadrants rate health, fire, reactivity, and special hazards.
Section 2, slide 27Quality Core
The Q in OPQRST — how the pain feels.
Sharp, dull, crushing, burning — the quality of pain is a diagnostic clue.
Section 3Quebec Core
NATO phonetic alphabet letter for Q.
'Quebec' stands in for Q on the radio.
R
Radiation Intermediate
The R in OPQRST — where pain spreads to.
Pain that radiates can signal a problem far from where it's felt.
Section 3Radio Core
Primary tool for field communications.
Use plain language on the radio — clear text, no codes.
Section 8, slide 21Rally point Core
The agreed outside meeting spot after a home fire or disaster.
Pick a rally point everyone can reach, then account for the whole family there.
Section 1Rehab Core
Rest, hydration, and recovery area for responders.
Rotate through rehab to avoid exhaustion and heat injury.
Section 7Rescue Intermediate
Search and rescue locates and removes survivors.
CERT performs light search and rescue — only when it is safe to do so.
Section 5, slide 1Resilience Intermediate
The ability to recover and adapt after a difficult event.
Sleep, support, and routine all help rebuild resilience after a disaster.
Section 7Resources Intermediate
People and gear managed by the Logistics section.
Track resources so the right tools arrive where they're needed.
Section 6, slide 6Romeo Core
NATO phonetic alphabet letter for R.
'Romeo' replaces R for clear radio spelling.
RPM Intermediate
Respirations, Pulse, Mental status (triage acronym).
RPM are the three START checks performed on each patient.
Section 3Rubicon Intermediate
Team Rubicon — a veteran-led disaster response nonprofit.
About 70% of Team Rubicon's 200,000+ volunteers are military veterans, though service isn't required to join.
In the field referencesRun, Hide, Fight Intermediate
Run, hide, or Run, Hide, Fight — the active-shooter response framework, in order of preference.
Run if you can escape safely; hide if you can't; fight only as an absolute last resort.
In the field referencesS
Safety Core
The top priority on every CERT scene.
Personal safety comes first — then your team, then the victims.
Section 1, slide 3Safety officer Intermediate
ICS command-staff role that monitors hazardous conditions.
The Safety Officer can stop or suspend any operation deemed unsafe.
Section 6SAMPLE Intermediate
Signs, Allergies, Medications, Pertinent history, Last intake, Events (history acronym).
A SAMPLE history gives EMS the medical background they need in seconds.
Section 3Sanitation Intermediate
Managing waste and hygiene when normal services are down.
Poor sanitation after a disaster can cause a second wave of illness.
Section 1Scene Core
Always ensure scene safety before you act.
Scene safety is CERT rule #1 — never become a second victim.
Section 6, slide 4SDS Intermediate
Safety Data Sheet (acronym).
An SDS lists a chemical's hazards, handling, and first-aid measures.
In the field referencesSecondary Advanced
A secondary device is set to target responders.
Stay alert for secondary devices; avoid obvious staging spots at a blast scene.
Section 8Self-care Core
Taking care of your own needs so you can keep helping others.
A burned-out responder can't help anyone — self-care isn't optional.
Section 7Severity Core
The S in OPQRST, often rated 1 to 10.
Tracking severity over time shows whether a patient is improving or not.
Section 4, slide 24Shelter Core
Take shelter under sturdy furniture during a quake.
Drop, cover, and hold on — shelter from falling objects.
Section 1, slide 20Shelter-in-place Intermediate
Staying indoors and sealing up, rather than evacuating.
Shelter-in-place is used when going outside is more dangerous than staying put.
Section 1, slide 20Shock Core
Poor tissue perfusion; keep the patient warm and lying down.
Treat for shock: control bleeding, lay flat, elevate legs, maintain body heat.
Section 3, slide 2Shoring Advanced
Bracing a structure to prevent further collapse.
Shoring is heavier and more involved than cribbing — usually beyond CERT's scope.
Section 5Sierra Core
NATO phonetic alphabet letter for S.
'Sierra' stands in for S — clearer than 'F' over a radio.
Size-up Core
Ongoing assessment of a scene and its hazards.
Size-up is continuous — reassess as conditions change.
Section 2, slide 2Smoke Core
Install a detector to warn of fire early.
Smoke detectors roughly halve fire-death risk — test them monthly.
Section 2, slide 24Span Intermediate
Span of control: one supervisor to 3–7 responders.
Span of control keeps supervision effective — about five reports each.
Section 6, slide 5Spinal Intermediate
Treat for a possible spinal injury if the mechanism suggests one.
Minimize movement of the head and neck if you suspect a spinal injury.
Section 4, slide 20Splint Core
Device used to immobilize a broken bone.
Splint a suspected fracture in the position found, then recheck circulation.
Section 4, slide 4Staging Intermediate
Area where resources wait until assigned.
Report to staging and await your assignment from the IC.
Section 6, slide 11Standoff Advanced
Keep a safe standoff distance from a suspicious item.
Standoff distance plus cover protects you from an explosive device.
Section 8START Intermediate
Simple Triage And Rapid Treatment (acronym).
START sorts patients in under a minute using RPM.
Section 3, slide 3Stress Intermediate
Critical incident stress can affect responders.
Watch for stress reactions; use rehab and debriefing to manage them.
Section 7, slide 2Superficial Intermediate
The mildest burn classification — epidermis only.
A superficial burn is red and painful but doesn't blister.
Section 4, slide 25Surge capacity Advanced
A hospital's ability to handle a sudden jump in patients.
Knowing local surge capacity helps CERT and EMS understand where patients can actually go.
In the field referencesSuspicious Core
A suspicious package or activity should be reported, not investigated.
If something looks out of place, report it — don't touch or approach it.
Section 8, slide 15SUV Advanced
Spontaneous Unaffiliated Volunteer (acronym) — shows up to help with no training or affiliation.
FEMA's own doctrine warns that uncoordinated SUVs can become 'a disaster within a disaster' — exactly why VOAD, MRC, Team Rubicon, and CERT itself exist.
In the field referencesSwelling Intermediate
The S in DCAP-BTLS.
Swelling often develops after a fracture, sprain, or internal injury.
Section 4, slide 18T
Tagging Intermediate
Marking a structure's safety status after it's assessed.
Tagging tells other teams whether a structure is safe, restricted, or unsafe.
Section 5Tango Core
NATO phonetic alphabet letter for T.
'Tango' replaces T for clear radio spelling.
Tenderness Intermediate
The first T in DCAP-BTLS — pain when an area is touched.
Tenderness during a head-to-toe exam can point to a hidden injury.
Section 4, slide 18Tornado Core
A violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground.
Go to the lowest floor, interior room, away from windows for tornado safety.
In the field referencesTourniquet Advanced
Applied high and tight for severe limb bleeding.
Use a tourniquet when pressure can't stop life-threatening limb bleeding; note the time applied.
Section 3Transport Intermediate
Immediate patients are first for transport.
Red (Immediate) patients are moved and transported first.
Section 4, slide 10Triage Core
Sorting patients by severity of injury.
CERT uses START triage to rapidly sort many patients.
Section 3, slide 2Triangle Intermediate
The fire triangle is fuel, heat, and oxygen.
Remove any side of the fire triangle to put a fire out.
Section 2, slide 6Tsunami Intermediate
A series of large ocean waves usually triggered by an underwater earthquake.
Move to high ground immediately if you feel a coastal earthquake or hear a tsunami warning.
In the field referencesU
Unified command Advanced
An ICS structure where multiple agencies share command.
Unified Command lets agencies with overlapping jurisdiction manage an incident jointly.
Section 6Uniform Core
NATO phonetic alphabet letter for U.
'Uniform' stands in for U on the radio.
Unresponsive Core
The U in AVPU — no reaction to any stimulus.
An unresponsive patient needs immediate airway and breathing checks.
Section 3USFA Intermediate
U.S. Fire Administration (acronym).
USFA is the FEMA agency focused on fire prevention, including home escape-plan guidance.
In the field referencesUtilities Advanced
Gas, electric, and water that may need shutting off.
Controlling utilities reduces the risk of fire, shock, and flooding.
Section 2, slide 4V
V-void Intermediate
A void type where a slab breaks in the middle and both ends settle down.
A V-void forms a V shape as both halves of a broken slab meet near the floor.
Section 5Vest Core
High-visibility PPE that identifies you as CERT.
A CERT vest makes you recognizable to survivors and other responders.
Section 1Veteran Core
About 70% of Team Rubicon's volunteers are military veterans.
Service isn't required to volunteer with Team Rubicon — only a commitment to helping.
In the field referencesVictor Core
NATO phonetic alphabet letter for V.
'Victor' replaces V to avoid confusion with B.
VOAD Intermediate
Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (acronym).
National VOAD coordinates the volunteer groups — including CERT — that respond alongside professional agencies.
In the field referencesVoid Core
A survivable space within collapsed debris.
Search voids — under tables and stairwells — where survivors may shelter.
Section 5, slide 23Volcano Intermediate
A mountain that can erupt molten rock, ash, and gas.
Volcanic hazards include lava, ash fall, and lahars — not just the eruption itself.
In the field referencesW
Warm zone Intermediate
The decontamination corridor between hot and cold zones.
Equipment and people are decontaminated here before leaving a hazmat scene.
In the field referencesWarning Intermediate
Weather alert meaning a hazard is happening or about to.
A warning is more urgent than a watch — take action now.
In the field referencesWatch Intermediate
Weather alert meaning a hazard's conditions are possible.
A watch means stay alert and get ready — the hazard hasn't started yet.
In the field referencesWater Core
Store one gallon per person per day of this.
Water is the top priority in any disaster supply kit.
Section 1, slide 16Whiskey Core
NATO phonetic alphabet letter for W.
'Whiskey' stands in for W on the radio.
Whistle Core
Simple tool used to signal for help or attention.
Three short blasts is a common distress signal — carry a whistle in your kit.
Section 1Wildfire Core
An uncontrolled fire burning in wildland vegetation.
Defensible space around a home is one of the best wildfire mitigations.
In the field referencesWinter storm Core
A storm bringing snow, ice, or dangerously cold conditions.
Winter storms can knock out power for days — prepare to stay warm without it.
In the field referencesWound Core
A break in the skin that may bleed.
Dress and bandage a wound after the bleeding is controlled.
Section 3, slide 20X
X-ray Core
NATO phonetic alphabet letter for X.
'X-ray' replaces X for clear radio spelling.
Y
Yankee Core
NATO phonetic alphabet letter for Y.
'Yankee' stands in for Y on the radio.
Z
Zulu Core
NATO phonetic alphabet letter for Z — also military shorthand for UTC time.
'Zulu' replaces Z, and 'Zulu time' means UTC in radio and military use.
No terms match that search.
Course material: FEMA's CERT Basic Training (2019), in the public domain. For study only, not medical advice: in an emergency, call 911.