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Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.)



Mission Statement
To provide the community with neighborhood based teams of trained volunteers who can respond immediately to any major disaster or emergency situation if professional first responders (police and fire/EMS personnel) are not immediately available to help.


What is a Community Emergency Response Team?

CERT is about emergency readiness and response, people helping people during disasters or other major incidents.

The Community Emergency Response Team program helps train people to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities. Cities across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and across the country are forming CERTs. When emergencies happen, these teams can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site.

CERT members are considered “Good Samaritans” and are covered under the Volunteer Protection Act. CERT volunteers do not have any authority beyond serving as a “Good Samaritan” when helping others.


How is the Burleson C.E.R.T. program organized?

The City of Burleson ’s Director of Emergency Operations/Fire Marshal assumes the role of the CERT Coordinator. The CERT Coordinator provides overall direction, training and support services for the Burleson CERT Program.


Who can be a C.E.R.T. member?

In order to participate in the Burleson CERT Basic Training Course an individual must:

  • Be at least eighteen (18) years old.
  • Possess a valid driver’s license.
  • Be able to perform physical activities within their own capabilities.
  • Be able to pass a background investigation.
  • Live or work in the City of Burleson or City of Burleson ETJ


Training

All CERT volunteers must complete the Burleson CERT Basic Training Course, the CERT Coordinator is responsible for this and the ongoing training needs of CERT volunteers. Training is coordinated and provided by the CERT Coordinator, City of Burleson public safety personnel, representatives from other professional organizations and Burleson CERT volunteers. Training activities may include hands-on training exercises and advanced classes on topics of interest to CERT volunteers; training and ongoing exercises that will prepare CERT volunteers to respond safely to major disasters and emergency situations.


What is covered during the Burleson CERT Basic Training course?

  • Unit 1: Disaster Preparedness
  • Unit 2: Fire Safety
  • Unit 3: Disaster Medical Operations – Part 1.
  • Unit 4: Disaster Medical Operations – Part 2.
  • Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
  • Unit 6: CERT Organization
  • Unit 7: Disaster Psychology
  • Unit 8: Terrorism and CERT
  • Unit 9: Course Review and Disaster Simulation



Crime Prevention Tips

Trim the shrubbery around your doors and windows so crooks don’t have a place to hide. MORE TIPS

Make sure your home is secure when you are traveling—all deadbolts locked, lights left on timers, newspapers stopped, and mail held at the post office or collected by a trusted neighbor who has your travel schedule.

Did You Know?

If you live in the City of Burleson, you can request a Vacation Check for your home while you're out of town. Come by the Police Department to fill out the paperwork a few days before your trip. An Officer or a Citizens on Patrol Team will check on your residence while you're away.