| Welcome
to the Anaheim Fire Department
"CERT" is the official volunteer disaster response program for the City of Anaheim. The purpose(s) of this program are to: Ensure all residents of Anaheim know what to do before, during, and after any disaster - especially a catastrophic earthquake; and Provide an effective means of coordinating the efforts of both government and volunteer response forces during and following a major disaster. Earthquakes, fires, floods, windstorms, landslides and hazardous material spills - have all happened in California. We don't have to go back very far into history to recognize that some of the victims of earthquakes, floods, fires, and windstorms had to wait for many hours, several days or even weeks before effective government assistance became available. Even in areas where natural disasters occur regularly, how often do we see families and neighborhoods that are not prepared? The use of volunteers in the time of disaster is an integral part of any disaster response program. But, how many jurisdictions have a plan to effectively use and manage the many thousands of volunteers that appear when a major disaster occurs? Anaheim does! The The City of Anaheim’s Fire Department and Disaster Preparedness Office have developed a community based, "Neighbor Helping Neighbor" emergency response program, which provides pre-disaster training for Anaheim residents and business owners. The program started over 14 years ago and has grown to over 500 Anaheim residents and business owners. To ensure that the volunteers provide the highest level of service possible, CERT members voluntarily participate in disaster related training classes involving topics such as Light Search and Rescue, Disaster Medical and First Aid, Care and Shelter Operations, Impact Assessment and Emergency Communications. There are eight training classes. When a volunteer has completed all eight classes, he/she is recognized for their achievement by the City Council and becomes a certified CERT member. Ellen Lopez
In 1985, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
concept was developed and implemented. The training program proved
to be so beneficial that the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) felt the concept and program should be made available nationwide. How is this accomplished? CERT training is designed to begin the process of preparing you to help yourself, your family, and your neighbors during the first 24-72 hours in the event of a catastrophic disaster. Emergency services resources are limited. They are designed to respond to those accidents, fires and other requests -- based on daily operational requirements. Those same resources may NOT be available during the immediate hours, or several days, following a catastrophic emergency or local disaster. Hundreds -- maybe thousands -- of calls for help may be received. The resources may become "stretched beyond the limits" and be unable to respond to help everyone. You may -- in all likelihood -- have to rely on yourself, your family and your neighbors. CERT training helps you to make a difference, to save lives and
protect property. With training, preparation and practice (and working as a team), you will be able to do the greatest good for
the greatest number after a disaster, while helping to protect yourself, and those you love from becoming a victim. The Anaheim Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a one hundred percent volunteer organization under the the Anaheim Fire Department's Office of Emergency Services. |