Bronx 10 CERT Team

Community Emergency Response Teams

Activities

Prior to an emergency, CERT members are expected to have an awareness of their own neighborhoods, and to pre-determine possible evacuation sites that will facilitate effective, safe, and rapid response to emergencies.

During a major emergency where first responders are unable to respond immediately, CERT Members, after first assuring the safety of themselves and family, are expected to:

• Assume a leadership role
• Assess situations and properly advise emergency responders when they arrive
• Recognize the potential hazards associated with a particular type of event and take appropriate action
• Take steps to get to safety and/or help others to do so in an organized fashion
• Help identify staging areas for operations and triage
• Help identify, organize, and utilize local resources
• Assist others with the emotional distress associated with major emergencies and disaster conditions
• Administer first aid and/or triage casualties
• Perform needs assessments, document your findings, and communicate needs to local authorities
• Support effective and efficient allocation of emergency resources

Activation

CERT members are activated:

• By an authorized county official
• By an authorized municipal official within that respective municipality
• Themselves in the event of a major disaster where first responders are delayed or unable to respond (but only after attempting to alert emergency personnel).

On-going Participation

CERT members are expected to assist their neighborhood on an on-going basis by:

• Preparing individuals and organizations in the neighborhood to take care of themselves in the event of a disaster by providing or facilitating education about emergency preparedness
• Helping neighbors and the community in the event of a disaster
• Researching and taking advantage of opportunities to enhance emergency preparedness and disaster skills
• Participating willingly in community events, drills, and the training of others
• Participating in periodic team meetings to organize and maintain activities