Presented by 

Nadine Molinari
Special Projects Coordinator – EM, Rio Rancho Fire Rescue Emergency Management

The damage caused by natural disasters and manmade events can be extensive. While emergency services personnel are the best trained and equipped to handle emergencies, they may not be immediately available following a disaster. In such a situation, volunteers of the community may be on their own for several days or longer. They may have to rely on their own resources for food, water, first aid, and shelter. Additionally, neighbors or coworkers may have to provide immediate assistance to those who are hurt or need help. Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) respond in the period immediately after a disaster when response resources are overwhelmed or delayed. CERT members can assist emergency services personnel when requested in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) developed by the sponsoring agency and by area of training. Assume some of the same functions as emergency services personnel following a disaster and prepare families and communities prior to emergencies and assist neighbors during an emergency when first responders are not immediately available