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This page contains information on the CERT program of Douglas County, Kansas.

The CERT volunteer works under the direction of emergency management staff to prepare themselves, family members and friends for a local disaster event. CERT volunteers may provide basic disaster response assistance in a disaster to family members, co-workers or neighbors. CERT volunteers may be assigned other responsibilities during disaster situations.

Internal Links

CERT Flyer (PDF format)
This document contains a flyer for the Emergency Management's CERT program.

CERT Registration Form
This page contains the CERT registration form for Douglas County, Kansas.

Classes

There are currently no CERT classes scheduled. Please check the "Training Schedule" below for more options.

Volunteer Requirements for CERT Membership

In addition to meeting all the requirements listed on Volunteer Opportunities Homepage, additional requirements have been established for all CERT volunteers. To remain an active volunteer, each CERT volunteer must complete the following annually:

• Participation in 50% of service group activations
• Attendance at 50% of service group meetings/trainings
• Mandatory Trainings:
• Volunteer Policies and Procedures Training
• Radio Etiquette Training
• Weather 101
• Participation in one hands-on class (fire safety, medical operations 1, medical operations 2, search and rescue, or scenario) during each CERT session offered (Spring and Fall)

Annually, all authorized volunteers must complete a background check. Every two years, all authorized volunteers must complete the Douglas County Harassment Free Workplace Training as provided by the Assistant County Administrator. This training will be scheduled by Douglas County Emergency Management.

Volunteers are also encouraged to participate in special events and/or additional trainings sponsored or offered by DCEM.

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Training Schedule

Douglas County Emergency Management CERT Member Training Schedule
Date(s)	Time(s)	Event	Location
June 27, 2013	7:00 p.m.	TBA
July 25, 2013	7:00 p.m.	TBA
July 31, 2013	Online	Policies and Procedures
August, 2013	TBA	NWS Trip
TBD	TBA	CERT Class (pending enough interest)
September 28, 2013	9:00 a.m.	Douglas County Preparedness Fair
TBD	TBA	Volunteer Recognition
December, 2013	7:00 p.m.	End of the Year Meeting

* Participants must attend the entire weekend to receive a certificate suitable for framing!

Please Note: Mandatory Meetings in bold. Schedule is subject to change.

Meeting Location
*All CERT meetings, unless otherwise stated, will be held at:

• Judicial and Law Enforcement Center, 2nd floor
• Douglas County Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
• 111 East 11th Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044

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CERT Background

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) concept was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) in 1985. The Whittier Narrows earthquake in 1987 underscored the area-wide threat of a major disaster in California. Further, it confirmed the need for training civilians to meet their immediate needs. As a result, the LAFD created the Disaster Preparedness Division with the purpose of training citizens and private and government employees.

The training program that LAFD initiated makes good sense and furthers the process of citizens understanding their responsibility in preparing for disaster. It also increases their ability to safely help themselves, their family and their neighbors. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recognizes the importance of preparing citizens. The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) and the National Fire Academy adopted and expanded the CERT materials believing them applicable to all hazards.

The CERT course will benefit any citizen who takes it. This individual will be better prepared to respond to and cope with the aftermath of a disaster. Additionally, if a community wants to supplement its response capability after a disaster, civilians can be recruited and trained as neighborhood, business, and government teams that, in essence, will be auxiliary responders. These groups can provide immediate assistance to victims in their area, organize spontaneous volunteers who have not had the training, and collect disaster intelligence that will assist professional responders with prioritization and allocation of resources following a disaster. Since 1993 when this training was made available nationally by FEMA, communities in 28 States and Puerto Rico have conducted CERT training.

Other Details

This is an excellent way to participate in community events and offer your assistance in local disasters. This training is designed to help you help others in the first seventy-two (72) hours of an event. These skills allow you to secure your home and assist your neighbors.

To request additional information or to enroll, contact:

• Douglas County Emergency Management
• 111 E. 11th Street
• Lawrence, KS 66044
• Phone: (785) 832-5260
• Fax: (785) 832-5101
• Email:

External Links

• FEMA - Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)