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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is the Purpose of the CERT Program? The CERT Program was first piloted in 1986 when the City of Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) recognized that citizens very likely would have to respond on their own in the early stages of a disaster or emergency. The purpose of a CERT Program is to train and organize community members: ▪ To prepare individuals to help themselves and their families during an emergency or disaster. ▪ To be a response asset in an emergency or disaster; and ▪ To be an extension of first responder services until professional responders arrive. What are the requirements to become part of Hill County CERT? In order for an individual to become a member of Hill CERT, he or she must live or work in Hill County and meet the following minimum criteria: 1. Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age 2. Possess a valid driver’s license 3. Required to submit to initial (and subsequent) background investigations 4. Must complete and sign all necessary forms, releases, and agreements 5. Completion of the DHS/FEMA Required Basic CERT Training What are the qualifications to be considered for the Hill CERT program? Beyond the requirements listed above, you should be physically capable of lifting equipment up 30 lbs. in weight and possess a moderate level of endurance. CERT Members come from all walks of life. Educators, former military members, community organizers, utility workers, hospitality professionals, retired first responders, spouses of first responders, medical professionals and business leaders all have brought value and talent to CERT programs across the country. The biggest requirement is a dedication to volunteerism and helping others. What does the training consist of? The CERT Basic Course is delivered in the community by a team of first responders and other qualified volunteers. The initial 24-hour basic CERT Basic Course consists of the following topics:
topics: - The CERT Organization - Disaster Preparedness - Disaster Medical Operations - Disaster Psychology - Fire Safety and Utility Controls - Light Search and Rescue Operations - Terrorism & Active Shooters - Disaster Simulation - Final Exam Once the member successfully completes the basic course and moves on to membership in the response team, additional ongoing training consists of: - Advanced first aid techniques - Advanced search and rescue - Fire Scene Rehab. - Community relations - Severe Weather Spotting (Skywarn Certification) - Damage assessment - Debris removal - Shelter management - Concerns of individuals with disabilities and others with access and functional needs - Utilities control - Wildland firefighting assistance When is the next training course? The next basic training session will begin in Mid-January, exact dates to be announced. The 24-hour training course will take place over a number of evenings over a multi-week period and conclude with a full Saturday session. What is the cost? There is no cost to join Hill CERT. There are certain items such as authorized shirts and other apparel that will be at the expense of the volunteer. What is the time commitment? The initial training course is 24 hours spread over a multi-week period. Each member who moves on to participate in the response team is expected to attend the subsequent monthly meetings and subsequent training, and to engage in at

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