The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help or may be experiencing a high call volumes. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.
CERT Training
CERT members receive an initial 24 hours of training. This will be done over a weekend at our Station #1. Once you have received your training and successfully complete the course, you have the option to be an active CERT member. CERT training, like training in the Fire Service, is ongoing. The CERT team will meet monthly for refresher training on basic skills as well be given the opportunity to learn more about disaster preparedness and first aid skills. CERT members will also have the opportunity to participate in scenario based exercises to ensure safe and efficient operations during times of natural disaster or other community emergencies.
Does this mean I'm a firefighter?
The answer to this question is no. CERT members are different than paid and volunteer firefighters. Firefighter training is more advanced and technical than that of the CERT training. You may certainly put in an application to be a volunteer firefighter if you so desire, however District Operations and CERT is designed to work in conjunction with one another, CERT in no way takes the place of professional emergency responders.
How Do I become a member of CERT?
At the top of this page, you will find an application for Saline Valley’s CERT team. Fill out the application and return it to House #1 at 1771 Springdale Blvd, Fenton, MO 63026.
A representative will contact you and answer any questions you may have. From there, we will be happy to let you know about the next available CERT training and what you will need to attend the class.
If you would like to speak to someone regarding CERT before deciding to fill out an application, you may call our House #1 at (636) 343-9300
Is CERT only used for emergencies?
At the bottom of this page, you will find an application for Saline Valley’s CERT team. Fill out the application and return it to House #1 at 1771 Springdale Blvd, Fenton, MO 63026.
A representative will contact you and answer any questions you may have. From there, we will be happy to let you know about the next available CERT training and what you will need to attend the class.
If you would like to speak to someone regarding CERT before deciding to fill out an application, you may call our House #1 at (636) 343-9300
What is my liability?
Missouri State Statutes regarding Volunteer Liability states:
A volunteer for a non-profit organization or governmental entity is immune from personal liability for an act or omission resulting in damage. A public school volunteer is not civilly liable when acting in conformity with discipline rules. Conservation volunteers and Department of Corrections volunteers have the protection of the legal defense fund and liability provisions. A person who provides assistance in the event of a hazardous material release is not liable in a civil action. A Department of Social Services volunteer is not liable for good faith performance of duties. Architects, engineers, construction contractors and equipment dealers who provide uncompensated professional help in the event of an emergency are not civilly liable in damages.
§ 537.118.1 R.S.Mo., Volunteer protection
A volunteer of a non-profit organization or governmental entity is immune from personal liability for any act or omission resulting in damage or injury to the person intended to receive the benefit of service. This applies if the volunteer acted in good faith and within the official scope of his duties.
Exceptions: damage or injury caused by intentional or malicious conduct or by the volunteer’s negligence.
SVFPD & CERT
It is important to point out that CERT infrastructure and organization vary from community to community. CERT is a program that is supported by the Federal Government through the Center for Domestic Preparedness.
The Saline Valley Fire Protection Districts rules governing the CERT program may vary from a CERT program you may already be familiar with. That being said, the District will explain the policies, procedures and safeguards that are in place to ensure that CERT members not only remain as safe as possible in their duties, but also conduct themselves in the same professional manner that is expected of our firefighters when representing the District.