The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates and trains volunteers in team organization, light search and rescue, fire safety, first aid, CPR, proper radio protocol, traffic control, and disaster medical operations to better assist professional agencies (fire, police) with the hazards that may result from disasters that impact their area of responsibility.
In 1985, the concept of CERT was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department, and has since evolved nationwide. There are now over 600,000 individuals trained in 2,700 local CERT programs nationwide since CERT became a national program.
Fire crews are sometimes stretched thin just when they can least afford to be, and CERT crew members are trained to fill the gap if necessary. Rarely, if ever, do CERT members enter the “red” or dangerous zone, but remain on the outskirts, ready and able to assist in any way they can.
Not only is CERT training useful in preparing members of the team to better perform, but it also better prepares average citizens (not intent on joining) to respond when the alarm is sounded.
In addition to emergency response, CERT members assist homeowners by assessing their properties to ensure adequate measures have been taken to fireproof their homes and surrounding property through the FIREWISE program, of which Jacksonville is the only participating CERT.
If you’d like join CERT, or simply better educate yourself in any number of these skill sets in order to be better prepared to assist not only your family, but your community, please stop by the Fire Department on the corner of 3rd and C street, call the fire department at 541-899-7246, email jvillecert@gmail.com, or phone 541-326-2549 for more information.
Bob Budesa moved to Jacksonville 20 years ago, retired from BLM after 38 years where he oversaw the noxious weed program with Medford District BLM (850,000 acres) for 20 years, worked in Wild Horse Program in 1970’s and was a member of JWA for 2 years.