community emergency response team
During a catastrophic disaster, there is a very good chance that your neighborhood will be on its own during the early stages of the event. After such a disaster, citizens will naturally volunteer to help. Without proper training, these people can expose themselves and others to potential injury and even death. Experience has shown that basic training in disaster survival and rescue skills improves the ability of citizens to survive until first responders or other assistance arrives.
The basic course will include those components necessary to get the team started and become capable of performing basic CERT functions. Each member must complete 21 hours of classes in the following areas to become certified. Classes are scheduled to accommodate the needs of each team and are available at convenient times.
During training, teams will learn:
Fire Safety and Suppression: Team members will learn how to use extinguishers and other equipment to recognize and suppress small fires.
Disaster Medical Operations: Team members will learn how to conduct triage, establish medical treatment areas, and provide basic first aid for victims.
Damage Assessment: Team members will learn how to rapidly assess damage employing a standardized format used throughout the country by CERT.
Light Urban Search and Rescue: Team members will learn light urban search and rescue planning, techniques, and rescuer safety.
Organization, Terrorism and Disaster Psychology: Experience has shown that basic training in disaster survival and rescue skills improves the ability of citizens to survive until first responders or other assistance arrives.
Disaster Preparedness: CERT training instructs team members to prepare themselves, their families and their neighborhoods for the various hazards that may occur.
Experience has shown that basic training in disaster survival and rescue skills improves the ability of citizens to survive until first responders or other assistance arrives. Disaster Preparedness: CERT training instructs team members to prepare themselves, their families and their neighborhoods for the various hazards that may occur.
Who May Join CERT?
CERT is for anyone who is interested in helping his or her neighborhood prepare for a disaster and provide assistance afterward. Training is provided free of charge to all residents of DuPage County. While undergoing 21 hours of Homeland Security-based curriculum, CERT members receive their training from our own local Milton Township based Fire, Police, Medical, and Public Works institutions such as the Milton Township Highway Department, DuPage County Sheriff, and College of DuPage Homeland Security.
Upon Graduation, each Team member will receive a backpack filled with tools and equipment including ahard hat, safety goggles, two-way radios and other rescue items valued at over $130. In addition, graduates are certified by the State of Illinois and provided a photo I.D. which is recognized by all of our DuPage County First Responders.
We are an all-volunteer community trained and equipped organization dedicated to responding to and meeting the needs of our fellow citizens during a disaster. Classes are offered to all DuPage County residents throughout the year.
You may reach us at:
Phone: (630) 668-1616 Email: [email protected]
Please join this worthy and gratifying adventure. This training prepares us to serve our community. Such as providing extra security-awareness, checking bags for items not allowed, securing safety for performers at a music stage, providing basic first aid, traffic and crowd control.
CERT & Citizen Corps' Mission
The mission of Citizen Corps is to harness the power of every individual through education, training, and volunteer service to make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to the threats of terrorism, crime, public health issues, and disasters of all kinds.
Hear Marty Keller’s interview on the Ty Bo show on Buzzsprout from May 31st.
Ready to Apply?
Click this link to be sent to a Google Form that will securely submit your application.
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