| Community Emergency Response Team Program
Mission
The DC Citizen Corps, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteer program trains citizens to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities. When emergencies happen, CERT members can provide critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community.
Training Objectives
Upon completion of this 20-hour course, the participants will be able to:
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Recognize and prepare for the hazards that threaten personal, family and community safety.
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Describe the function of CERT and their role in immediate response.
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Take steps to prepare themselves for a disaster.
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Identify and reduce potential fire hazards in their home or workplace.
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Apply basic fire suppression strategies, resources and safety measures to extinguish a small fire while working as a team.
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Apply techniques for opening airways, controlling bleeding and treating for shock.
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Conduct triage under simulated disaster conditions.
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Educate family and community members on the District's homeland security terrorist threat.
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Identify planning and size up requirements for potential search and rescue situations.
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Describe the most common techniques for searching a structure.
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Use safe techniques for debris removal and victim extrication.
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Understand the psychological impact of a disaster on themselves and others.
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Organize CERT members for an effective and safe response.
Prior to registering for CERT training, please take time to review the CERT policies and procedures*. To participate in CERT group trainings the following form* must be filled out and submitted to Serve DC. To conduct CERT training sessions please read the following criteria for CERT trainers*. For more information please contact Shirley Hall or call (202) 727-8965.
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