C E R T Unit 1

When CERTs deployed

The period immediately after a disaster when response resources are overwhelmed or delayed (Bridge)

CERTs are not trained to

perform all of the functions to respond to the same degree as professional responders

CERTs are a bridge to

professional responders until they are able to arrive

What is a key priority in lessening the impact of disasters

Community preparedness

Effective community preparedness

addresses the unique attributes of the community and engages the whole community

Government responsibilities 

preparing and supporting emergency operations, ensuring responders are equipped, and protecting citizens, while also involving the community, using local resources, and promoting training and volunteer programs

Emergency Operations Plan

describes how the community will function in an emergenc

Community leader responsibilities

offering community-specific insights, integrating resources into government plans, and ensuring their facilities, staff, and populations are trained and prepared for emergencies

Public responsibilities

learning alerts and evacuation routes, receiving training, practicing plans, helping others, providing feedback, reporting suspicious activity, and volunteering

Full capacity of society

all of the partners within a community (government, NGOs, faith-based groups, schools, nonprofits, private sector entities, and individuals and families

Community coalitions- Citizen Corps

organized groups that foster collaboration and strengthen relationships within a community

Social capital

the value we place on our relationships with one another

Communities with higher social capital

bounce back much more efficiently after a disaster and tend to rely less on outside resources to return to normal

Types of Disasters

Natural, Technological and Accidental, Terrorism, Pandemics, Home Fires

Key Elements of Disasters

They are relatively unexpected, may overwhelm emergency resources, and endanger lives, health, and the environment

Immediate aftermath of a disaster

needs are often greater than professional emergency services personnel can provide

Assessing your community’s vulnerability to hazards

allows the community to prioritize preparedness measures and to target effective action

Consequences of Damage to Infrastructure

severely restrict the abilities of police, fire, and emergency medical services in that disaster

During or after a disaster, emergency services personnel prioritize resources according to the

highest-priority need

Which types of structures performed well in most types of disasters

Engineered buildings, such as most high-rise buildings

Old high rise buildings

are more susceptible to damage from broken glass, falling panels, and collapsing walkways and stairways during earthquakes, flooding events, and high-wind events

homes built prior to 1940

were not originally bolted to the foundation, making them subject to being shaken, blown, or floated off their foundations

Why are older homes less stable than new constructions

they were constructed of non-reinforced brick

What are major factors in potential damage to detached homes and garages

age, type of construction, and type of disaster

Why are mobile homes are most susceptible to damage

They can be displaced (Displacement can compromise a structure’s integrity and damage utilities, raising the risk of fire and electric shock)

Multiple-unit dwellings typically have

a main utility shutoff for the building and individual shutoffs for each unit

Multiple-use buildings with oversized roof spans

have a greater risk of collapse and broken glass in a disaster

Non structural hazards

Fixtures and items can lead to gas leaks, falling objects, electric shock, or fire from damaged appliances or faulty wiring

How much percent of respondents reported having enough supplies to get through three days

68 percent

How much percent of respondents reported having taken steps to safeguard critical documents

63 percent

How much percent of respondents reported having sought preparedness information within the past year

39 percent

How much percent of respondents reported having talked to others about getting prepared within the past year

27 percent

How much percent of respondents reported having attended a preparedness meeting/training within the past year

18 percent

important elements of disaster preparedness include

assess situations, follow practiced family disaster plans, maintain supplies, mitigate hazards, and engage in training and volunteer programs

A family disaster plan should include

meeting locations, an out-of-state contact, evacuation routes with alternatives, escape plans for buildings, sheltering options, and transportation arrangements

Where should you store disaster supplies

in multiple locations

How to store water

use clean, sturdy plastic containers with a #1 recycling symbol, wash them thoroughly, fill with tap water, and keep in a cool, dark place away from sunlight

How often and why should you replace emergency water

every 6 months because plastic degrades

How much water does a normally active person drink

2 quarts of water each day

Why would someone need more water

Hot environments, intense physical activity or if they are children, nursing mothers, or ill.

How much water should be stored per person per day

1 gallon (3 quarts for drinking, 1 quart for food preparation and sanitation)

What is the minimum supply of water you should have

3-day supply of water for each person in your household

How do you purify water without bleach

bring it to a rolling boil for 1 minute or use commercial purification tablets

What bleach to use to purify water

household liquid chlorine bleach if it is pure 5.25 – 6.0 percent sodium hypochlorite

What bleach not to use to purify water

perfumed

What to do after adding bleach to purify water

shake or stir the water container and let it stand 30 minutes before drinking

What to do if water is cloudy after bleach

double the recommended amount of bleach

what are the ratios for purifying water with bleach

1 quart water= 4 drops of bleach. 1 gallon water= 8 drops of bleach. 4 gallons water= 1/3tsp of bleach

What types of food should you store in disaster kit

choose lightweight, compact foods that need no refrigeration or cooking, use minimal water, are nonperishable, avoid salty foods, and include solid gel fuel if heating is necessary

How much day supply of food should you include in your disaster kit

3-day supply

How often should you check expiration dates on food

Biannually (Every 6 months)

Create an escape plan that allows for safe exit from

every room in your home and workplace

Emergency plans should

account for children and those with special needs, be communicated to everyone involved, and be practiced through escape drills

There should be smoke alarms

on every floor of a house

What are protective actions that should be taken during a disaster

Assess the situation. Decide to stay or change locations. Seek clean air and protect breathing passages. Protect yourself from debris and signal rescuers if trapped. Remove contaminants. Practice good hygiene.

Shelter in place

Sealing a room can protect you from airborne contaminants temporarily; identify an internal room and keep snacks, water, a radio, flashlight, and materials like plastic sheeting and duct tape to seal vents and openings.

Shelter for extended stay

staying in place for days or weeks, so it’s important to have sufficient emergency supplies

Mass care/community shelter

basic necessities are provided, but you should bring your own three-day disaster supply kit to ensure you have all needed items.

Mitigation

reduction of loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters

What does homeowners insurance not cover

damage caused by flooding

safe room

requires significant fortification for the room to provide protection against extremely high winds

Fortifying home against home fires

Make sure that burglar bars and locks on outside window entries are easy to open from the inside

Fortifying home against land slides

Install flexible pipefittings to avoid gas or water leaks; flexible fittings are more resistant to breakage.

Fortifying home against wild fires

avoid wooden roofing, clear flammable vegetation and vines, and keep propane tanks and firewood at least 30 feet away from the home

What is at the top of CERT organization

government agency liaison

Who is under the government agency liaison in CERT organization

CERT Incident Commander/Team Leader

What does the CERT Incident Commander/Team Leader direct

activities of the four sections: Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Administration

What is underneath the Operations section

three response teams: Fire Suppression, Search and Rescue, and Medical

What is underneath the Planning section

two sections: Documentation and Incident Status

CERT volunteers are required to wear the following PPE

helmet, goggles, N95 mask, gloves (work and non-latex), and sturdy shoes or boots

What is a CERT volunteers first job

staying safe

What are CERTs non-disaster roles

help with non-emergency projects, and are a potential volunteer pool for the community

“Good Samaritan” laws

protect CERT volunteers who provide care in a prudent and reasonable manner

The Volunteer Protection Act (VPA) of 1997

Federal law that protects volunteers from liability as long as they are acting in accordance with the training that they have received