Andrea Barte, CITY OF SAN PABLOAndrew Craven, SADDLEBACK COMMUNITY

COLLEGEMargaret Romiti, CITY OF CONCORD

STARTING a new CERT ProgramTAKING over a CERT ProgramRE-ENERGIZING your CERT Program

March 2, 2013 10:15am – 12:00pm

Program is driven by the NEEDS OF YOUR COMMUNITY.

Program Fundamentals

Do what works best for your organization

1Sponsoring Agency

2Program

Parameters

3Execution

Work closely with neighboring CERT programs• Share resources

Facilities Personnel Equipment

• Swap ideas• Apply for funding together

Collaboration

Sponsoring Agency

What’s in it for me?

1

Considerations

• Agency buy in• Excellent public relations tool• Community empowerment &

involvement in public safety

• Resource allocation– Funding: Short term vs. long

term– Instructors: employees vs.

volunteers– Facilities

Funding

• Short term– Collaboration with

neighboring programs– Company match– Donations

• Long term– Partnerships– Fundraising– Grants

Instructors

• Employee vs. Volunteers– Back up instructors

• Vetting process– Background checks?

• Scheduling and tracking time

• Instructor evaluations

2 Program Parameters

Draft Program Plan – www.CitizenCorps.gov/CERT

Fundamentals

• Set program goals and objectives• Have a vision• Policies and procedures (or revisit existing)• Volunteer liability – Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Program

• Familiarize with CERT programs in your area for ideas S M A R T

Specific – Measurable – Attainable – Realistic - Timely

Why People Volunteerhttp://svee.hubpages.com/hub/10-Reasons-People-Volunteer

1. Have fun2. Give back3. Try new things4. Build up their resume5. Make a positive difference6. Learn about different cultures7. Have knowledge and experiences to share8. Meet new people9. Feel needed10. Because they can!

Volunteers

• Orient / Train instructors– Core group

• Track• Manage– Meet with regularly

• Retain– Empower – Create other safety messages/trainings

Procure & Managing Resources

• Storage• Access• Maintenance– Inventory

3 Execution

Make it happen!

• Word of mouth• Local newspaper or magazine• City newsletters or website• Fairs / Events• Flyers at heavily frequented

locations:– Library– Clinics– Schools– Community centers– Places of worship

• Social media: facebook, twitter, YouTube, pinterest, etc.

Promote the Program!

Contra Costa CERT brochure

Class Logistics

• Training schedule – Make-up classes

• Facility• Instructor(s)– Knowledgeable about the material

• Equipment• Student manuals/materials– Welcome Folder

Training & Drills

• Collaboration – Shared resources = larger event

• Skill stations vs. Scenario based– Location – Personnel

• Schedule• Frequency

Data Management

• Graduates• Incompletes• Call out list• Maintaining contact with

students– methods

Can your CERT program (personnel, activities

or maintenance) be more efficient? … CONTINUALLY EVALUATE

Recognition

• “Thank You”• Award milestones or prizes• Honored before City Council, Law, Fire personnel• Regular gatherings– Reunions– Potluck

? But wait… What’s next?

Be sure to build into your program parameters

What’s next?

• Refreshers vs. Advance Training– Refresher: review skills previous taught– Advance Training: new skills

• Organizing your neighborhood– Local leadership– Designate neighborhood boundaries– Training

Que

stion

sANDREA BARTE

CITY OF SAN PABLO POLICE DEPARTMENTPST-Disaster Preparedness Coordinator

(510) 215-3110andreab@sanpabloca.gov

ANDREW CRAVENSADDLEBACK COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Parking Coordinator(949) 582-4585

acraven@saddleback.edu

MARGARET ROMITICITY OF CONCORD POLICE DEPARTMENTEmergency & Volunteer Service Manager

(925) 671-3184margaretr@cpd.ci.concord.ca.us

Thanks for joining us!

LUNCHTIME