5.2. SR 01-27-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Currendy m the State of Minnesota, there is only one orgamzed Community Emergency Response Team, which is located m the City of Burnsville. Following a major disaster, First Responders who provide fire and medical services will not be able to meet the demand for these services. Factors such as number of victims, communication failures, and road blockages will prevent people from accessing emergency services they have come to expect in a moments notice through 9-1-1. People will have to rely on each other for help m order to meet their immediate life-saving and life-sustaining needs. If we can predict that emergency services will not meet immediate needs following a major disaster, especially if there is little or no warning, and people will spontaneously volunteer, what can government do to prepare citizens for this eventuality? First, present citizens the facts about what to expect following a major disaster m terms of immediate services. Second, give the message about their responsibility for mitigation and preparedness. Third, tram them in needed life saving skills with emphasis on decision making skills, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number. Fourth, organize teams so that they are an extension of First Responder services offering immediate help to victims until professional services arrive. Back,'rouNd The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) concept was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LAFD) m 1985. Following earthquakes m 1987, the LAFD conf~rmed the need for training civilians to meet their immediate needs. The training program that LAFD initiated makes good sense and furthers the process of the citizen's ability to safely help themselves, their family, and their neighbors. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recognizes the importance of preparing citizens. The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) and the National Fire Academy (NFA) adopted and expanded the CERT materials, believing them applicable to all hazards. The CERT program will benefit any citizen and a community that wants to supplement its response capability after a disaster. Civilians can be recruited and trained as neighborhood, business, and government teams that in essence will be auxiliary First Responders. These groups can provide immediate assistance to victims in their neighborhood area, organized spontaneous volunteers who have not had the training, and collect disaster reformation that will assist professional responders with prioritization and allocation of resources following a disaster. Starti~ It is recommended that when starting a CERT program, a number of steps shall be followed. · Identify the program goals that CERT will need and the resources available to conduct the program m your area. · Gain approval from appointed and elected officials to use CERT as a means to prepare citizens to take care for themselves during a disaster when services may not be adequate. This is an excellent opportunity for the government to be proactive m working with its citizens. · Identify and recruit potential participants. · Tram CERT instructors. · Conduct CERT sessions. · Conduct refresher training and exercises with CERTS.