On-Scene Management:

Maintains the safety of disaster workers

Provides clear leadership and organizational structure

Improves the effectiveness of rescue efforts

Briefing Assignment [CERT Form #4.a-b]

The Briefing Assignment Form is shared by the Command Post and the functional team.

The CERT IC/TL uses the front side of the form to communicate instructions about an incident such as address, incident type, and team objectives.

The scribe of the functional team uses the back side (blank side) of the form to log team actions. The form is returned to the Command Post when the team checks in.

Always ask: “Is it safe for CERT members to attempt the rescue?”Whether or not to attempt a rescue depends on the degree of damage to the structure involved. Remember: CERT members’ safety is the number one priority!

The Incident Command System (ICS) is the system used by emergency response agencies to manage emergency operations.When CERTs activate, they become part of that system

CERT Team Size:

CERT personnel assigned to Operations should always be assigned to teams consisting of:

At least three to four persons:

One person will serve as runner and communicate with the Command Post.

Two people will “buddy up” to respond to the immediate needs.

Search and rescue teams must include at least four people, with a safety person remaining outside the area to be searched and at least two people to conduct the search.

The command post should document:
Situation status, including:

Incident locations

Access routes

Identified hazards

Support Locations

CERT Protocols Provide:

A well-defined management structure (e.g., leadership, functional areas, reporting chain, working in teams)

A manageable span of control that provides for a desirable rescuer-to-supervisor ratio of between three and seven rescuers per supervisor

Common terminology that contributes to effective communication and shared understanding

Effective communication among team members and with professional responders, including the use of radios

Personnel Resources Sign-In [CERT Form #2]

A scribe at the staging location signs in each volunteer using the Personnel Resources Sign-in Form, noting any particular preferred team assignments or skills. This information needs to be passed on to the Command Post.

Who is on site

When they arrived

When they were assigned

Their special skills

Victim Treatment Area Record [CERT Form #5]

The Victim Treatment Area Record is used to document each person brought into the treatment area and his or her condition (Immediate, Delayed, or Minor)

General Message [CERT Form #8 (ICS 213)] is used for sending messages between command levels and groups; messages should be clear and concise and should focus on such key issues as:

Assignment completion

Additional resources required

Special information

Status update

Communications Log [CERT Form #6(based on ICS 309)]

The Communications Log is used to log incoming and outgoing transmissions; it is typically kept by the radio operator.

Equipment Inventory [CERT Form#7 (based on ICS 303)]

Used to check out and check in CERT-managed equipment.

The Equipment Inventory is kept in the area or vehicle in which equipment is stored.

In all situations, a manageable span of control is three to seven team members reporting to their designated leader.

Damage Assessment Form [CERT Form #1]

The Damage Assessment Form is completed by CERT members as they travel through the area to the CERT’s staging location. The form is then given to the CERT IC/TL.

The form provides a summary of overall hazards in selected areas. The information is used for prioritizing and formulating activities.

Fires

Utility hazards

Structural damage

Injuries and casualties

Available access

Incident/Assignment Tracking Log [CERT Form #3]

The CERT IC/TL assembles teams and makes assignments based on the damage assessment information.

This person keeps the Incident/ Assignment Tracking Log, which is the most important tool for recording the activities of the functional teams and overall situation status.