Now Recruiting CERT Volunteers: Spring 2019!
Your Local CIO will be conducting the Spring 2019 Basic CERT Training. This nine-week class begins on March 7 (Thursdays) from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. All slots are currently full but we encourage those interested to get on the waiting list for any cancellations. Another class is already scheduled for the Fall, beginning September 5th, 2019. For more information regarding this program, send an email to tualatincommercialcio@gmail.com.
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is a way for people from all walks of life to learn valuable basic skills used during disaster response. Some of the skills include things such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. By using the training learned through CERT training, new members can assist others in their neighborhoods or workplace when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT volunteers make a commitment to attend the 9-week training and then engage in community emergency preparedness every month to become part of the team that is the backbone of the volunteer response in an emergency. If you are ready to make a significant commitment to your community’s emergency preparedness, CERT might be for you!
Why join Tualatin CERT?
The City of Tualatin realizes the need for its citizens to have the ability to care for themselves and neighbors during and after a disaster. CERT training is one way to ensure this value ability. By becoming a CERT member, you will be taught how to prepare your homes and families for an emergency. Safety at home will allow the CERT team members the added ability to help their neighbors. Once neighborhoods are safe, CERT team members may be called on by other neighborhoods in the CIO. CERT members coordinate their effort and communication through their CIO residential and commercial volunteers. The CIO outreach includes individual home/workplace preparation, neighborhood incident team planning through Oregon Emergency Response Cooperative’s Map Your Neighborhood training, and CERT training sponsored by the City of Tualatin. CERT Training Overview: Tualatin’s CERT training is free to anyone who lives or works in Tualatin. The city’s CERT membership welcomes professionals from any of Tualatin’s large corporations, small business owners, Tualatin High School students, Explorer Scouts, Ham Radio groups, Citizen Involvement Association (CIO), and any concerned resident interested in becoming certified by successfully completing an seven week, 24 hour program. You must be 18 years or older to attend, but 16 year olds may attend if accompanied by an adult. Important Note: All participants must have a criminal background check prior to becoming a CERT member. After training, you will be part of your neighborhood CIO incident team.