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CERT Leaders
About CERT LeadersESCA's CERT Leader program was established in 2001 with a group of CERT graduates who wanted to increase their skills and abilities beyond what was taught in the basic CERT course. They also wanted to be able to take a more active role in response and recovery during an emergency or disaster. Starting with a core group of about 20 members, the CERT Leader program has grown to more than 50. Additional members are added with each new CERT class. CERT Leaders meet on a monthly basis to continue training. Refresher courses are offered as well as more advanced training in areas. Some of the advanced courses include:
During an activation, CERT Leaders will help in the Emergency Operations Centers; assist in organizing other CERT volunteers and emergent volunteers; conduct damage assessments and search-and-rescue operations; provide emergency first aid; and participate in sandbagging operations. During regional exercises and training opportunities, CERT Leaders may practice working alongside first responders. In addition, many of the CERT Leaders have obtained amateur band radio ("ham") licenses. These Leaders will be able to help with communications both from the field and as back-up to the ESCA RACES organization. CERT Leaders have assisted neighboring jurisdictions with sandbagging operations. They have also activated to help the Snohomish County Red Cross chapter with damage assessments after floods and have been recruited by the local Red Cross to respond to the hurricanes in both 2004 and 2005. The CERT Leaders, as a group, put in several thousand hours of volunteer and training time each year. If you are a CERT graduate and are interested in learning more about this program, please email Jamie or call (425) 776-3722.
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