Missouri Seismic Safety Commission - Strategy 3.2
STRATEGY:
Promote community emergency response teams (CERTs) statewide.
ACTION:
Train volunteer community emergency response teams statewide.
RESULT:
Reduction of life, property and environmental loss by providing more
immediate response in a disaster.
Background
In the immediate aftermath (first 72 hours) of an earthquake, standard emergency services will
not be available. Research has shown that most rescue and emergency services are provided
by untrained volunteers spontaneously functioning in damaged neighborhoods. This initiative
would provide very basic training for interested people in fire safety, light rescue, disaster
medical operations, hazard inspection, and other services. Grouped together within each
community, as a part of neighborhood groups, church groups or professional organizations,
these volunteers would be in place to act independently and spontaneously in the event of a
disaster. They
would be known and trusted by the people they would be helping.
These volunteers will respond in
their neighborhoods first, then go to staging areas to assist their local government's disaster
efforts.
Implementation
Four steps are required:
\(bu Instruct elected officials, policy makers, police, fire and
emergency management personnel on the use of volunteers in disaster response;
\(bu Identify
citizen groups and volunteer organizations;
\(bu Distribute information and hold workshops
through local public safety organizations and community service groups; and
\(bu Continue to
provide technical assistance and recertification to CERTs wishing to provide community-based
relief. The steps would be accomplished under the direction of local Emergency Program
Managers, with assistance from fire and rescue agencies in training volunteer community emergency
response teams and team leaders.
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Responsible Agencies:
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State Emergency Management Agency
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Local Emergency Program Managers
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Fire and medical agencies
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Community groups of all types
Last Changed April 28, 1997