CERT Organization

1. CERT Organization • Describe the CERT organization. • Identify how CERTs interrelate with ICS. • Explain documentation requirements.

2. Purpose of On-Scene Management • Maintain safety of disaster workers. • Provide clear leadership and organizational structure. • Improve effectiveness of rescue efforts.

3. Need for CERT Organization Provides: • Common terminology that contributes to effective communication and shared understanding. • Effective communication among team members. • A well-defined management structure. • Accountability.

4. Objectives of CERT Organization • Identifies the scope of the incident • Determines an overall strategy • Deploys resources • Documents actions and results

5. Basic ICS Structure Incident Commander Operations Section Chief Fire, Medical Search and Rescue Logistics Section Chief Supplies, Equipment Planning Section Chief Collection and display of information about the incident Administration Section Chief Records, Finance CERT and the ICS

6. CERT Command Structure Operations Section Chief Fire Suppression Group Leader Search and Rescue Group Leader Medical Group Leader S & R Team A Triage Team Fire Suppression Team A S & R Team B Treatment Team Fire Suppression Team B S & R Team C Morgue Team Fire Suppression Team C Staging Area CERT Structure- Expanded

7. CERT Decisionmaking • Heavy damage = No rescue • Moderate damage = Minimize rescuers and time in building • Light damage = Locate, triage, treat, and prioritize victim removal

8. Responsibilities for Documentation • Provide command post with ongoing information. • Document incident status. • Incident locations • Access routes • Identified hazards • Support locations • Number of victims • Condition of structures and damage

9. TABLE TOP ACTIVITY • Choose an incident commander. • Identify the scope of the incident. • Determine an overall CERT strategy. • Set priorities and deploy resources. • Utilize the CERT ICS structure (chart). • Fill out the proper CERT forms. • Time: 30 min.