Section 6: CERT Organization

1. 1 CERT Organization

2. 2 Unit Objectives

   • Describe the CERT structure
   • Identify how CERTs interrelate with ICS
   • Explain documentation requirements

3. 3 Unit Topics

   • CERT Organization
   • Mobilization
   • Documentation

4. 4 Principles of On-scene Management

   • Maintain the safety of disaster workers
   • Provide clear leadership and organizational structure
   • Improve effectiveness of rescue efforts

5. 5 CERT On-scene Management

   • Well-defined management structure
   • Manageable span of control
   • Common terminology
   • Effective communication
   • Consolidated action plans
   • Comprehensive resource management
   • Accountability

6. 6 Objectives for On-scene Management

   • 1. Identify scope of incident
   • 2. Determine overall strategy
   • 3. Deploy resources
   • 4. Document actions and results

7. 7 Incident Command System

8. 8 CERT Operations

   • Command structure
   • CERT Incident Commander/Team Leader (IC/TL)
   • Command Post
   • Expanded structure as needed

9. 9 Dealing with the Media

   • Refer media inquiries to CERT IC/TL
   • Do not let media inhibit CERT goals
   • Be careful about information released

10. 10 NIMS Compliance

    • Ability to work together
    • IS-100.a: Introduction to ICS
    • IS-700.b: Introduction to NIMS
    • http:// training.fema.gov/ IS/NIMS.asp

11. 11 CERT Mobilization

    • CERTs take care of themselves, their families, their homes, their neighbors
    • Proceed to predesignated staging area
    • IC/TL is established, organizes the group
    • IC/TL prioritizes actions
    • Organization is flexible and evolves based on new information

12. 12 Rescuer Safety

    • Rescuer safety is first priority
    • Heavy damage = No rescue
    • Moderate damage = Locate, triage, evacuate
    • Light damage = Locate, triage, continue sizeup, and document

13. 13 Documentation

    • Section Chiefs
      • Provide Command Post with information
    • Command Post
      • Documents situation status ‒ Incident locations ‒ Access routes ‒ Identified hazards ‒ Support locations

14. 14 Documentation

    Write it down!

15. 15 Documentation Forms

    • Damage Assessment
    • Personnel Resources Sign-In
    • Incident/Assignment Tracking Log
    • Briefing Assignment
    • Survivor Treatment Area Record
    • Communications Log
    • Equipment Inventory
    • General Message

16. 16 Documentation Flow

17. 17 Documentation Flow

18. 18 Documentation Flow

19. 19 Documentation Flow

20. 20 Documentation Flow

21. 21 Unit Summary

    • ICS provides flexible means of organization
    • “Is it safe to attempt the rescue?”
    • Document and communicate information to all CERT levels
    • Provide Command Post with ongoing information about damage assessment, group status, and needs
    • Command Post documents and tracks situation status

22. 22 Homework Assignment

    • 1. Read unit to be covered in next session
    • 2. Bring necessary supplies to next session
    • 3. Wear appropriate clothes to next session

Course material: FEMA's CERT Basic Training (2019), in the public domain. For study only, not medical advice: in an emergency, call 911.