Campus Safety and Security
CERT: College Emergency Response Team
Edmonds Community College currently has 31 employees trained in CERT skills. Edmonds Community College periodically offers training opportunities. Our goal is to train 10-12 employees per year. We encourage 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 Safety
- Disaster Medical Operations I
- Disaster Medical Operations II
- Light Search and Rescue Operations
- CERT Organization
- Disaster Psychology
- Terrorism and CERT
- Course Review and Disaster Simulation
The sections will be taught by a combination of certified CERT trainers and community resource people. Five team members that are trainer-certified are Edmonds Community College employees who have received certification from FEMA as CERT trainers. Generally, one of the sections are covered each week, including hands-on practice. The College's CERT team normally completes a simulation drill at the end of each course to build team work, refresh our skills, and discuss future updates. 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.
We hope you can join the team! To register, please contact Anthony Rael by emailing Tony.rael@edcc.edu
