The City of East Chicago, Office of Emergency Management is currently recruiting volunteers for the purpose of developing a Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT). The CERT Program was conceived and designed by FEMA and The Department of Homeland Security for the purpose of Safety and Outreach by educating people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community. CERT members will have the opportunity to participate in continuing education that includes but not limited to:
Basic First Aid Home Emergency Preparedness and Safety Electrical Safety Fire Safety and Weather Safety
CERT Members can expect to participate in non-hazardous roles which include but not limited to:
Traffic Control Weather Observation Crowd Control at Festivals or Other Major Events. Damage Assessment Medical Operations Assistance Light Search and Rescue
This program is a great opportunity for young adults interested in pursuing a career in Emergency Response and for older adults to fully utilize their maturity, wisdom and leadership for the purpose of protecting their family, community and city. Interested persons should contact the Office of Emergency Management