CERT

 

Community Emergency Response Team

CERT is a nation-wide training program supported by FEMA. This all-hazards disaster response program puts trained individuals into our local community, ready to assist during any disaster or at any emergency exercise. We all know that we don’t have enough emergency responders to help everyone during a disaster. We also know that the first person on scene isn’t usually a professional responder – it’s one of our local residents. By training our community to be prepared for a major disaster and how to respond to it, we make our community a safer place. 

 

CERT is an outstanding training program that is offered free of charge through the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office.  Somersett is the first neighborhood in Washoe County to have a personal CERT Academy.

 

The initial training consists of  21-hours, which includes Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Psychology, Search & Rescue, CERT Organization/Incident Command Structure (ICS)/Documentation, Fire Safety, Terrorism, Emergency Medical and a Disaster Exercise. These volunteers continue their training throughout the year by attending classes in shelter management, helicopter safety, first aid / CPR, communications and a variety of other topics. They stand ready to respond at a moments notice.

 

This program educates citizens about hazards they may face in a disaster, teaches them how to prepare and recover from that disaster, and trains them in lifesaving skills. CERT volunteers help to provide hazard response within their community, under the guidance of professional first responders

 

CERT training is open to all residents of Washoe County. Attending the training does not commit you to volunteering and all residents are encouraged to participate in the CERT academy just for the education.

 

If you are interested in more information, or to see what CERT is all about, please feel welcome to join us at one of our monthly meetings.  The Somersett CERT Team meets the first Thursday of each month.  For time and locations, please contact the Association office at ssaservice@amiusa.net or call (775) 626-7333.

 

For more information on how you can become a member of CERT, please contact Jeanie Knowles, CCP Coordinator – (775) 325-6987 or Kaydie Paschall, Coordinator at (775) 325-6987 or visit: www.washoesheriff.com or www.washoesheriff.com/cert.htm