Hays County CERT Membership Guide 2/5/2019 Hays County Office of Emergency Services Hays County, Texas
Contents Introduction... 2 Mission... 2 Membership... 2 Probationary Period... 3 Required Training... 3 Additional Training available for all CERT members... 3 Levels of Participation... 3 CERT Equipment... 4 Member Equipment... 5 Communications... 6 Responding to Call-Outs... 6 Call-Out Organization and Responsibilities... 6 Incident Command System... 7 Protocol and Levels of Response... 8 Addendum 1... 1 Code of Conduct and Ethics... 1 Addendum 2... 1 Grievance and Disciplinary Management... 1 Addendum 3... 1 Response Types and Activities... 1 Addendum 4... 1 Training... 1 Addendum 5... 1 CERT Organization... 1 1
Introduction The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates citizens about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their community and trains them in basic disaster response skills. Using the training learned, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT is a part of the Department of Homeland Security s Citizen Corps Program. The CERT program was adopted by Hays County Commissioners Court in April 2003. Hays County CERT became a county directed program in December 2014. The CERT program resides under the Hays County Office of Emergency Services. Activities are directed by the Director of Emergency Services, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator and the CERT Executive Board. Funding for Hays County CERT is provided by the County of Hays. Mission The mission of CERT is service to the community: To provide information on disaster preparedness; provide support for the Hays County first responders (Fire, Law Enforcement and EMS) and provide leadership and coordination for emergency response volunteers. In addition to its emergency response mission, CERT is also called upon to support community not-for-profit events that have been approved at the County Level. Membership To be eligible for membership, an applicant must meet the following criteria: 1. be at least 18 years of age; 2. possess a valid Texas driver s license; 3. live or work in Hays County or any of the five surrounding counties (Comal, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Blanco, Travis); 4. and have no convictions above a Class C misdemeanor. There are no formal physical requirements for standard Hays County CERT membership. However, candidates must consider their ability to safely participate in the CERT mission and training. This includes working in extreme weather conditions, driving at night, walking over rough terrain, and the general availability to respond to emergency call outs. All applications must be in writing and approved by the CERT Executive Board. Applications for membership authorize the Hays County Office of Emergency Services to conduct a criminal background check, which will be completed prior to the applicant s certification for membership. 2
Also, before becoming a member, applicants must sign a Hold Harmless / Permission Request form. Probationary Period Prospective CERT members will serve a probationary period until successfully completing the 20-hour CERT Basic Training course prescribed by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Management Institute. The course is taught locally, and upon graduation, individuals may become certified CERT members in various capacities based on availability, interest, and skill set. Required Training In addition to the CERT Basic Training course, prospective CERT members are also expected to have a FEMA ID Number and complete the following FEMA on-line courses as soon as practicable: Incident Command Systems (ICS) and National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) IS-100.C: Introduction to Incident Command System IS-200.B: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents IS-700.B: National Incident Management System (NIMS) An Introduction IS-800.C: National Response Framework, An Introduction These courses and FEMA ID Number are located on line at https://training.fema.gov/nims/. IS-317: Introduction to Community Emergency Response Team is not required nor will it replace the 20-hour course but, is encouraged since it provides a good overview of the CERT program. This course is located on line at https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=is-317. Additional Training available for all CERT members Hays County Sheriff s Citizen Academy: a 40-hour program taught one night per week for 12 weeks at the Sheriff s Office. CPR / AED current certification course Swift Water Rescue Awareness course taught by Rescue 3 instructors (classroom only) Emergency Shelter Operations course taught by CERT or American Red Cross (ARC) Levels of Participation Once a prospective CERT member has successfully completed the CERT Basic Training course and becomes certified, one of three levels of participation may be selected: 3
Active CERT Member (ACM), maintains the following requirements: Attend at minimum 40% of monthly training meetings. In the average year, 4 of 10 meetings. Regularly participate in disaster or incident call-outs and volunteer service duties. Possess and wear the prescribed CERT uniform while on duty. Possess all required CERT personal equipment. Reserve CERT Member (RCM), are CERT members with specific skills for specific incidents. Attend as many regular training meetings as possible Participate in disaster and incident call-outs when able Participate in community outreach, exercises and trainings Possess basic uniform and equipment CERT Trained Only Attend meetings when able Primary responsibility is to be informed and prepared to assist in time of an emergency Does not possess basic CERT equipment Each active member (ACM) will receive notification instructions from the Emergency Notification Systems (ENS). Night participation is expected as a norm for ACM participation. More information regarding this information is under Communications and Responding to Call-outs. CERT Equipment A variety of support equipment has been obtained through a combination of individual and civic organizations donations, grant and county funds. It includes: Rehab Trailers: Included, but not limited to the basic contents, are pop-up tents, folding chairs, tables, an electric generator, heavy duty electrical cord, buckets for cooling towels, and coolers for icing down drinks. The trailers are staged in three strategic locations in Hays County. Search and Rescue (SAR) Trailer: Contains specialized equipment used in search and rescue operations, including a folding all-terrain wheeled litter carrier. Mobile Litter with an oversized wheel: capable of enabling crews to extract victims from a variety of rough terrain; nicknamed wheelie-dealie. AEDs: The automatic external defibrillators are routinely kept with the Wimberley Market Days equipment. ATV and trailer 4
Member Equipment Upon completion, of the CERT Basic Training course and background check, an active CERT member will receive a t-shirt(s), sweatshirt, ball cap, badge and equipment/backpack. Reserve members will receive a t-shirt and ball cap. 5
Communications It is vitally important that members keep all current contact information up to date. If a member decides to no longer participate, this should be communicated to the CERT leadership so the member s information can be removed from call out lists and other communications. CERT information can be found in the following media: CERT website at http://www.hayscountycert.com/ Facebook page (CERT Hays County, Texas) and Twitter (#HaysCert) All CERT response requests will be disseminated through: Telephone/Text Messages Call-outs use the Emergency Notification System (ENS) to notify team members of the need Email, Individual/Group - Team Leaders primary means of communication with team members. Responding to Call-Outs Call-outs will be initiated by public safety authorities through the Emergency Notification System (ENS). Call-outs will be issued to CERT members in their designated response areas. Upon assignment of Response Team, more details will be provided by designated Team Leader. Members reporting to the scene of a call-out will arrive with all the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and attire. This includes wearing the helmet, reflective vest, t-shirt or sweatshirt. Vehicle placards and magnetic signs identifying CERT responders will be available per incident. Failure to have appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and attire will prevent members deployment to the scene. Timeliness in response to call-outs is essential; however, members may never exceed speed limits, display emergency light signals or drive in an unsafe manner to scenes. Upon arrival at scenes, Incident Command System will be in effect. Call-Out Organization and Responsibilities Team Leaders will be designated for each geographic area of Hays County, which currently include Dripping Springs, Wimberley, Kyle/Buda and San Marcos areas. Team Leader positions will be for a specific, and limited time period, for example, 6-12 months. Team Leader responsibilities include: Designate assistant Team Leader who can be available to assume Team Leader responsibilities, when necessary; Maintain contact information of active CERT members residing in their geographic areas Physically respond to Call-outs in their area (not required for all events) 6
Monitor/track responding team members Appoint a CERT Incident Commander (CIC) Adjust level of response based on communication with alerting agency/dispatch and with information from first on-the-scene CERT responders - Develop shift schedule if necessary - Coordinate logistical response, i.e. Trailers. - Coordinate with CERT admin or adjacent teams for additional support - Ensure transition of leadership duties to assistant if unavailable Conduct team training and develop specific individual responsibilities, such as first aid, CPR/AED, search and rescue, traffic control Recruit and/or recommend replacement for Team Leader at end of term and execute transition of duties and responsibilities Active CERT members, available to respond to Call-outs in their geographic areas and other areas in Hays County as requested, have the following responsibilities: Inform CERT admin of availability for response Contact designated Team Leader during response with estimated time of arrival (ETA), and any additional equipment/supplies Report to the scene of a Call-out and arrive with all the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and attire (no change from current procedures) Assume CERT IC responsibilities if appropriate Perform duties as assigned by CERT/Incident IC CERT administration maintains all applicable CERT member personal information including resident location, active/reserve/other status, and areas of interest. CERT member personal information is used to assist with Call-out response by: Distribution of personnel rosters delineating geographic area of response Information to Team Leaders of other events requiring support in their geographic areas such as classroom training, practical exercises, and community outreach Incident Command System The first CERT member at a scene is the CERT Incident Commander (CIC) until relieved by a designated or more senior CERT member or first responder. CERT members arriving at a scene will report to the CIC or, if there is not CERT member present, to the first responder Incident Commander (IC). At larger scenes where an Incident Commander Post (ICP) has been established, the senior CERT member present will coordinate CERT activities at the ICP. Teamwork and accountability are paramount at all scenes. The presence and location of each member will be known at all times and a recorder may be appointed to assist the CIC in the 7
management of this information. It is incumbent upon all members to keep the CIC or CERT recorder properly informed from check-in to check-out. Protocol and Levels of Response Upon arrival at the scene, report to the IC or the CIC to obtain information on what is needed, team assignment and where to stage. All CERT members will sign in upon arrival and sign out when leaving the scene. Use the CERT ICS Form 211 (Incident Check-In List) for this but use anything appropriate for documentation. Also, ICS Form 214 (Activity Log) should be maintained and completed when the incident is over. Levels of Response based on expected operational periods and situation levels are listed below. 1. LOW Small situations (e.g. isolated single-structure fire) under control; typically one or two agencies involved. Only will need water, Gatorade, ice and snacks. 1-2 people for a few (1-4) hours. 2. MEDIUM Situation (e.g., wildland fire, death at the scene or multiple structure fires) on-going; will need mop-up and monitoring; may be multiple agencies involved. Rehab trailer will be needed (generator, lights, chairs, tent(s), misting fan, towels, water, Gatorade, coffee, and snacks). 2-4 people for 4 8 hours. 3. HIGH Serious, potentially long-term situation (e.g., large wildland fire with evacuations); multiple agencies and possibly Task Force 3 involved. Rehab trailer will be needed and staffing for multiple shifts (8 12) hours per shift. 8
Addendum 1 Code of Conduct and Ethics Addendum 1 Code of Conduct and Ethics The Hays County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is one of the most active and respected CERT programs in the Central Texas Area. This was achieved by the dedication and commitment of our members, who continue to strive to be a resource to the Hays County community. You represent the CERT program to new members, to the public, and to those to whom we render our services. It is important to portray a positive image. All violations will be thoroughly investigated. During the investigation process, involved members will be temporarily suspended from all CERT activities, pending the outcome of the investigation. Said members will be notified as to their status with the CERT program by the CERT Executive Board. Progressive discipline includes, but is not limited to, counseling, written notice and restriction of involvement with the Hays County program to CERT community meetings, trainings and refreshers. As a volunteer with the Hays County CERT program, you are expected to comply with the following: 1. Dial 911 for all emergencies, first. 2. Know you are not a Firefighter. You are trained to function as an extension of the Hays County response to CATASTROPHIC disasters, when such circumstances exist or when directed by emergency services officials. 3. When disaster occurs, your first responsibility is to ensure your own safety and the safety of your family. 4. Do not self deploy to local events (fires, accidents, etc.). Only the CERT Call Out Teams that are requested by Public Safety Authorities may respond via the alert messages. 5. You have been trained under the curriculum of FEMA s Community Emergency Response Team program. Confine your actions to those guidelines and stay within the scope of your training and certification. 6. Bring or wear your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): helmet (no baseball hats), vest, dust mask, goggles, gloves (rubber/latex and leather), sturdy shoes, long pants, flashlight (with extra batteries), bottled water, non perishable food, and a set of the CERT forms. Absolutely no shorts, sandals or open toed shoes are allowed! 7. Confine your actions to your physical and resource limitations when responding as a member of CERT. Such limitations may be determined by, but not limited to, equipment available, physical abilities, knowledge, authority and hazards. Keep yourself and your partner safe at all times. 8. Conduct yourself with professionalism, dignity and pride, and act appropriately and responsibly at all times while assisting others. 9. Treat fellow team members, visitors, other volunteer program participants, guests, and property with respect and courtesy. 1-1
Addendum 1 Code of Conduct and Ethics 10. Be sensitive to the diversity of team members and those we assist. 11. Direct anyone who is looking for official statements from Hays County Office of Emergency Services at 512-393-7300. 12. Respect the privacy of persons served by Hays County CERT and hold, in confidence, all sensitive, private, and personal information. Due to the fact that you are at the scene where names, identification, injuries and other medical information is noted, you may fall under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act passed by congress in 1996. It is best to discuss clients with EMS personnel only. 13. Keep Hays County CERT Team Lead informed of any progress, concerns, or problems with tasks which you have been assigned. 14. Do not report for duty while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 15. All donations or gifts to CERT must be approved in advance by Hays County Commissioners Court through the Office of Emergency Services. 16. Members will not use CERT to promote any partisan politics, religious matters or positions on any issue. 17. Members of CERT are expected to be professional at all times and this includes using social media. Pictures of incidents are not allowed to be posted on social media or shared with the news media, family or friends without prior approval from the Office of Emergency Services. 18. All members are expected to operate in a safe manner and look out for the safety of their team members. Everyone is a safety officer! Hays County CERT is committed to a policy of fair representation and will not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, disability, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, geography, or group affiliations. Volunteers will adhere to these same standards in the course of their duties. 1-2
Addendum 2 Grievance and Disciplinary Management Addendum 2 Grievance and Disciplinary Management All grievances will be directed through the chain of command and ultimately, if necessary, to the CERT Executive Board. Disciplinary actions for minor violations will occur in this manner oral, written, suspension and dismissal. Executive Board reserves the right to dismiss any CERT member. All local, city, county, state and federal laws shall be adhered to. Any violation of these laws will be reported to the Hays County Sheriff s office for investigation and prosecution. 2-1
Addendum 3 Response Types and Activities Addendum 3 Response Types and Activities The following is an example and not a complete list of activities. Rehab for First Responders Participation in exercises o MCM Dispensing o Point of Distribution (POD) Mass Care Mass Fatality Hazmat Decontamination Traffic Control and Direction Responder Safety and Health Community Events Emergency Preparedness fairs 3-1
Addendum 4 Training Addendum 4 Training Large Animal Rescue Horse training (how to properly be around a horse) Radio Etiquette First Aid / CPR / Heart saver Swift Water Awareness (classroom only) Stop the Bleed 4-1
Addendum 5 CERT Organization Addendum 5 CERT Organization Hays County Office of Emergency Services Kharley Bagley Smith, Director, Emergency Services / EMC Mike Jones, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Justin McInnis, Assistant Director / Assistant EMC Laurie Taylor, POC - OES (laurie.taylor@co.hays.tx.us / office 512-393-7300) Executive Board Bob Mooney CERT Executive Director Gordon DeWitte Cathy Dowling Rachel Maldonado Charles Johnson George Conwill Gib Watt Jim MacDonald CERT Operations North Team (North Hays) Team Lead South Team (San Marcos/South Hays) Team Lead East Team (Kyle/Buda/I-35 Corridor) Team Lead West Team (Wimberley) Team Lead 5-1