Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

This program is designed for residents who would like to participate in a community approach to emergency preparedness and response.

The CERT program was developed in the west following the great California earthquake.  This event created a realization that great numbers of people will respond and offer help following major events such as earthquakes, hurricanes and tornados. The major issue was many, if not all who offered assistance, were untrained and hampered emergency services response. In response to this, LA County developed the curriculum for the CERT program. Today the CERT program is taught nationwide.

 Residents willing to participate can serve in many capacities.  There is something for everyone in the CERT program.

The CERT program consists of eight independent classes. This training will enable you to understand and assist responders following a major event, such as the most recent event in Tamarac, Hurricane Wilma. Tamarac CERT members provided essential support to city staff and Tamarac residents.

CERT members from Tamarac have demonstrated a deep commitment to the program and our community. We are depending upon them to supplement our emergency responders when TFR and BSO are unable to render their usual level of service.

In the coming HURRICANE SEASON you may be faced with having to survive on your own for 72 hours or longer. Experience shows that after a major disaster most emergency personnel and equipment will be overwhelmed.

YOUR COMMUNITY NEEDS YOUR HELP.

The following subjects are covered:

Day 1 - Introduction to CERT and Team Building.
Day 2 - Fire Suppression and Hazardous Materials.
Day 3 - Emergency Medical (1) Treatment
Day 4 - Emergency Medical (2) TRIAGE
Day 5 - Search and Rescue (cribbing skills)
Day 6 - Legal issues in Disaster and Preparation.
Day 7 - Planning and putting it to Practice
Day 8 - Terrorism and certificates

Each class is approximately three hours long and contains both instruction and practical application of skills.

Continued training is provided throughout the year. We often participate in drills with other municipalities and counties.

Tamarac CERT members host a CERT site: Members.AOL.Com/TamaracCert