Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will provide volunteer emergency assistance as needed to the West Hartford community. When activated, the team will specialize in services such as:

• Emergency Sheltering
• Emergency Center Operations
• Point of Distribution Support (POD)
• Emergency Services Support as needed
• Damage Assessment
• Educational Outreach to the Community
• Other Functions as needed

The CERT concept was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1985. The Whittier Narrows earthquake in 1987 underscored the area-wide threat of a major disaster in California. Further, it confirmed the need for training civilians to meet their immediate needs.

“CERT became a national program in 1993. There are now CERT programs in all 50 states, including many tribal nations and U.S. territories. Each is unique to its community and all are essential to building a Culture of Preparedness in the United States. There are over 2,700 local CERT programs nationwide and more than 600,000 people have trained since CERT became a national program.

CERT History 2/17/21
Ready.gov/cert

• Increase the preparedness of CERT Team Members and residents of West Hartford for emergency situations.
• Properly train and prepare team members for activation. 
• Give residents an opportunity to learn more about how the town government works and increase communication between residents and the town. 
• Allow team members to meaningfully assist and contribute to the Town during emergencies and special events.
• Represent all neighborhoods and members of the community.
• Be accepted and used by all Town and Education departments, when appropriate.
• Comprise a team that is welcoming to all town residents and enjoyable for team members.

Before an emergency, CERT members are expected to have an awareness of their own neighborhoods, including predetermine possible evacuation sites that will facilitate effective, safe and rapid response to emergencies.

During a major emergency, where first responders are unable to respond immediately, CERT team members will:

Assume a leadership role:

• Assess situations and properly advise emergency responders when they arrive.
• Recognize the potential hazards associated with a particular type of event and take appropriate action.
• Take steps to get to safety and/or help others to do so in an organized fashion.
• Help identify staging areas for operations and triage.
• Help identify, organize and utilize local resources.
• Assist others with the emotional distress associated with major emergencies and disaster conditions.
• Administer first aid and/or triage casualties.
• Perform needs assessments, document and communicate needs to local authorities.
• Support effective and efficient allocation of emergency resources.

Activation

CERT members are activated by an authorized Town of West Hartford agency. CERT members never self-activate.

• Help prepare individuals and organizations in the neighborhood to take care of themselves in the event of a disaster by providing or facilitating education about emergency preparedness.
• Be willing to help neighbors and the community in the event of a disaster, after assuring self and family safety.
• Seek out and take advantage of opportunities to enhance emergency preparedness and disaster skills.
• Be willing to participate in community events, drills and training others.
• Participate in periodic team meetings to organize and maintain activities.

The West Hartford Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members are a valuable part of the Town's civil preparedness program and serve at the pleasure of the Emergency Management Director (EMD). CERT members volunteer their time and receive training to assist with town-wide emergencies and special events, as well as to gain personal preparedness skills. As part of their participation, and ensuring both professionalism and public trust in this vital community function, CERT members must abide by the Code of Conduct listed below.

1.      CERT members cannot self-activate. CERT members shall only act in their official CERT capacity when assigned work by the Town of West Hartford EMD or designee.   

2.      CERT members will only participate in activities within their physical capabilities and the scope of the training they have received. They will not take any risks likely to cause injury to themselves or others.

3.      CERT members may not participate in any CERT activity, including training, meetings, or special events, if under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including non-prescription medications that may impair abilities or judgment. If in doubt, contact the EMD or designee.

4.      Use of, or carrying of, any firearms or other weapons (solely intended to cause injury to others) is strictly prohibited during CERT activities or events.

5.      Unless expressly authorized by the EMD or designee, CERT members will only use their I.D. cards, issued uniforms, or issued equipment during official CERT activities, meetings, training, or emergencies.

6.      CERT members shall maintain their uniforms and equipment in good order, and store them in a place to prevent unauthorized use or damage.

7.      CERT members will not use their membership to gain favors, preferential treatment, or to influence others for any purpose other than emergency preparedness.

8.      CERT members must not receive direct compensation or gifts for any services rendered during their time of activation.

9.      CERT members will only represent themselves in a capacity that is reflective of their current status in their CERT Program.

10.   CERT members will not engage in conduct that reflects unfavorably upon the Town of West Hartford or the West Hartford CERT team.

11.   CERT members will report to the EMD or designee any negative interaction with law enforcement or the court system that may interfere with the public trust, public perception, or ability to perform CERT duties before participating in CERT activities.

12.   As public trust, public perception, and the professionalism of the CERT are critical to the team's function, failure to abide by these code of conduct elements may result in a member's suspension or removal from the CERT team.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

The West Hartford CERT Team is committed to ensuring that no person, on the basis of, race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity/expression, marital status, citizenship, veteran status, disability, or any other protected status, be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in any Town program, services, or activities in accordance with all state and federal civil rights laws and regulations.