What is CERT?
In 1985, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) developed and implemented the CERT concept. The training program initiated by the LAFD furthered the process of citizens understanding their responsibility in preparing for disaster. It also increased their ability to safely help themselves, their family, and their neighbors. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recognized the importance of preparing citizens and began promoting the nationwide use of the CERT concept in 1994. As of January 2004, 50 states, three territories, and six foreign countries are using the CERT program. During a large-scale disaster, the response of any community’s emergency services may be delayed or overwhelmed for a variety of reasons. This leaves the citizens of the community-family, neighbors, and coworkers—to provide for their own well-being and safety until professional responders arrive. This very reality is the cornerstone of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program.
CERT is a community based volunteer effort and is a component of the Citizen Corps program. The CERT program is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number.
Who is the BPC CERT?
During the catastrophic events of September 11, 2001, thousands of residents and workers learned firsthand how a disaster could overwhelm even the largest and best-trained pool of emergency personnel. The situation left people in BPC to decide how to evacuate and help their injured friends and neighbors. A group of residents realized the essential need for a trained emergency response team to supplement the first responders and assist In November 2003, 63 volunteers received certification in accordance with FEMA, the New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO), and New York City Office of Emergency Management (NYC OEM) guidelines. Currently, the BPC-CERT stands with more than 100 active members with more volunteers being trained for certification.
What does the BPC CERT do?
Through instructive and hands-on sessions, the volunteers receive training in life saving skills with emphasis on decision making, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number. The BPC CERT is an organized team that is available to augment first responder services offering immediate help to victims until professional services arrive. In the short time since its formation, the BPC CERT has forged a strong partnership with the management teams of all BPC residential buildings and with the BPC Authority (BPCA); BPC CERT has the support of Community Board #1, Office of the Manhattan Borough President, and Congressperson Carolyn Maloney, NYC Councilperson Alan Gerson, and the NYC OEM. CERT leaders are also finalizing a liaison with the New York Police Department (NYPD) and the Fire Department of New York (FDNY).
Why Should I get Involved?
The CERT training program benefits any person who participates. Citizens are better prepared to respond to and cope with the aftermath of a disaster or emergency.
The ultimate benefit of expanding the BPC CERT will be to further the process of residents understanding their responsibility in preparing for an emergency, and increasing their ability to safely help themselves, their family, co-workers, and neighbors in the event of an emergency.
Your time investment in the BPC CERT is an investment in your community and your community’s safety and future.
Seeking Donations
Obtaining additional support and resources will enable the BPC CERT to:
• Train additional trainers that can, in turn, train new volunteers in life saving skills.
• Provide existing CERT volunteers with continuing, specialized training.
• Prepare sufficiently sized teams to respond to any emergency in the community and offer immediate help to victims when first responders cannot reach the area.
• Establish an Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
As a potential donor, you can help the BPC CERT sustain operations and expand to further the process of residents understanding their responsibility in preparing for an emergency, and increasing their ability to safely help themselves, their family, co-workers, and neighbors in the event of an emergency.
What are the Next Steps?
Our commitment, contribution, and sacrifice for the good of the community need support and you can help the BPC CERT make a difference. We encourage you to give your support, whether it is financial or an in-kind donation. Everything helps and we sincerely appreciate your support.
Remember...you can make a difference by using your training to save lives and protect community property.