Jacksonville Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) was organized in 2009 to provide a cadre of trained volunteers on whom our professional responders can rely upon for support during disaster situations and emergencies. The CERT program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. These trained, trusted volunteers respond safely, responsibly, and effectively to allow the professionals to focus on complex tasks.
Each CERT organization is different, according to the community needs. Jacksonville’s CERT team is comprised of volunteers who work under the supervision of the Fire Department. There are currently twelve active members who contribute skills based on training, experience, and physical ability. The CERT maintains a response vehicle and has several licensed amateur radio operators. Some of the scenarios in which Jville CERT has provided support include: structure fires requiring extended firefighting, flood control activities with the Public Works department, Jackson County Sheriffs Department use of the hotline for missing persons, Jackson County Search and Rescue in locating missing persons, Oregon Department of Forestry administration needs during forest fires, City events requiring safety and traffic personnel, Community Education events sponsored by the Fire Department, ODF, and Jackson County Emergency Services.
Jacksonville CERT also supports Firewise Community activities and the Map Your Neighborhood program. To learn more about becoming a CERT member, inquire at JvilleCERT@gmail.com, call Bob Budesa at 541-326-2549 or Gayle Lewis at 541-899-7023, and follow Jacksonville CERT-Oregon on Facebook.