Mitchell County Emergency Management

                                     "Helping to make Mitchell County a safer place!"

                                                       106 E Main       Beloit, KS         67420

                                                   (785) 738-6600         E-mail:  dloy1@leo.gov

 

 

 

 

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.

The training program that the 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.  

CERT is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety and doing the greatest good for the greatest number of people following a disaster.  

It's a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations; where citizens will be initially on their own and their actions can and do make a difference. 

Through training, class members learn how to manage utilities; put out small fires; treat the three killers by opening airways, controlling bleeding and treating for shock (thus providing basic medical aid); search for and rescue victims safely; and organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers to be an effective team.

The CERT course will benefit anyone who takes it.  This individual will be better prepared to respond to and cope with the aftermath of a disaster.  This is the goal of the Mitchell County CERT program.

Additionally, Mitchell County is also planning on sponsoring several teams of CERT trained volunteers to supplement our existing resources in various areas, including:

  • Weather Spotting Teams
  • Emergency Search Teams
  • Assistance to the Elderly &/or Disabled during disaster
  • Assisting Small Children in coping with disaster
  • Communications Support Teams
  • Evacuation & Shelter Support Teams
  • Damage Assessment Teams

If you are interested in receiving CERT training for your neighborhood, your business or government agency, your church, school or community group, or even individually, or you just have a question about CERT training; click on the e-mail links either to the left or below and let us know.  

 

 

National Homeland Security Knowledgebase