Campus Security
CERT: College Emergency Response Team
Edmonds Community College currently has 33 employees trained in CERT skills. Every year we try to train 10-12 employees. In this next session, we welcome all interested employees to attend and become part of the college's CERT team.
The CERT program was established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in conjunction with the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). LAFD developed training to provide citizens with basic disaster response skills so professional responders could effectively and safely use the help of these volunteers following major emergencies. Edmonds Community College has worked with Emergency Services Coordinating Agency (ESCA) to tailor our CERT program to comply with emergency response practices used in our area. Our program follows the same FEMA course, with minor adjustments so we can constructively help local police, fire, utilities, and other emergency responders.
CERT skills are applicable wherever you might be during and after any disaster, including at home. Also, CERT members may be asked to help our Security Department deal with minor emergencies that occasionally occur on campus--for example, the CERT team may help evacuate buildings or temporarily secure a dangerous area to prevent injuries. Participation is voluntary--but the skills you learn will be extremely valuable if you ever find yourself in a position to need them!
The course includes seven sections, including hands-on practice of the skills:
- Disaster Preparedness
- Disaster Fire Suppression
- Disaster Medical Operations I
- Disaster Medical Operations II
- Light Search and Rescue Operations
- Disaster Psychology and Team Organization
- Course Review and Disaster Simulation
The sections will be taught by a combination of certified CERT trainers and community resource people. Three trainers are Edmonds Community College employees who have received certification from FEMA as CERT trainers. Generally, two of the sections are covered each day, including hands-on practice. By the end of the three days, the first six sections will have been taught. We also try to add a special demonstration by Snohomish County PUD about emergencies that involve electricity...it is a very eye-opening and exciting presentation! The seventh section, the disaster simulation drill, will be scheduled later in the summer, and will include all members of the CERT team who have been trained and are able to participate. The College's CERT team normally completes a simulation drill each summer to build team work, refresh our skills, and welcome any new members. These are fun, hands-on drills--using student and employee volunteers as "victims" to be triaged, treated, and rescued.
Because the CERT course and drill activities are hands-on sessions, participants should dress for the weather conditions expected on those days, including wearing comfortable pants and heavy shoes or boots. The college has hard hats, goggles, gloves, and face masks for participants to use while practicing in class.
We hope you can join the team! To register, please contact Anthony Rael at ext. 1501 or by emailing anthony.rael@edcc.edu
