HOSA CERT Flashcards
Disaster
A disaster is any event that causes significant damage, disrupts normal life, and requires assistance beyond normal emergency services.
Natural Disasters
Earthquakes, floods, wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.
Man-Made Disasters
Industrial accidents, terrorism, hazardous materials spills, civil unrest, etc.
Key Characteristics of Disasters
Can overwhelm local resources, requires an immediate and organized response, affects the community on a large scale.
CERT
CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team. It is a group of trained volunteers who assist in disaster response and recovery efforts within their local communities.
CERT Members’ Job
Trained to assist emergency services in situations where resources are stretched thin.
CERT’s Mission
To provide critical support to local responders and to increase the community’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
CERT Responsibilities Before a Disaster
Educate and prepare the community; establish communication channels.
CERT Responsibilities During a Disaster
Perform search and rescue operations, provide first aid, manage shelter and supplies, and assist with emergency services.
CERT Responsibilities After a Disaster
Help with recovery efforts, including damage assessment and supporting those affected.
Individual and Family Preparedness
Every household should have a disaster plan, build and maintain an emergency kit with food, water, first aid supplies, and essential documents, and make a family emergency communication plan.
Community Preparedness
Communities should have disaster plans in place, work with local government and emergency services to ensure coordinated efforts, and foster relationships with neighbors to build a strong support network.
Mitigation
Actions taken to prevent or reduce the severity of a disaster (e.g., building codes, floodplain management).
Preparedness
Creating plans, conducting drills, and ensuring resources are in place for an effective response.
Response
Immediate actions to save lives, protect property, and provide essential services.
Recovery
Restoring the community to normal or near-normal conditions.
CERT members
Individuals trained to respond to disasters, providing assistance when traditional emergency services are overwhelmed.
Training
Includes disaster response, basic first aid, search and rescue, fire safety, and psychological first aid.
Volunteering as a CERT Member
Involves performing tasks such as light search and rescue and providing first aid and triage.
Working with Local Authorities
CERT members operate under the direction of professional emergency services during disasters.
Emergency Services
Local agencies like fire, police, and medical teams that provide critical services during a disaster.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Organizations like the American Red Cross and Salvation Army that provide support in shelter, food, and logistics.
Government and Local Officials
Play a central role in disaster planning, response, and recovery.
Incident Command System (ICS)
A standardized system used by emergency responders to manage and coordinate disaster response efforts.