CERT Training  

What is C.E.R.T ?

C.E.R.T is a  program is designed educate local residents about disaster preparedness for hazards and emergencies –both natural and man-made that may strike their local area.

The goal of C.E.R.T in Howard County is to train residents in basic disaster response skills such as light fire suppression, team organization, disaster medical operations and household utility control.

How does C.E.R.T benefit you and your community?

During or after a disaster, regular emergency services personnel may not be able to help everyone immediately. Roads may be impassable and communications lost. Injuries may occur simultaneously in many areas. That’s where C.E.R.T can make a difference.  

If a disaster overwhelms local Howard County emergency response capabilities, you can give critical support to family, friends and coworkers until professional help arrives by applying the training learned in the classroom and during exercises.  You’ll have a better understanding of the potential threats to your home, your workspace and you community during a disaster. And you’ll be able to take the right steps at the right time to lessen the effects of these hazards.

Who sponsors C.E.R.T ?

Local Citizens Emergency Readiness Training is sponsored by Howard County’s Community Emergency Response Network (CERN) and is delivered through the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services. CERN is designated by the federal government as part of National Citizens Corps, which creates opportunities for volunteers to help their communities prepare for and respond to emergencies.

CERN membership includes representatives from the Horizon Foundation and the Howard County Departments of Fire and Rescue Services, Police, and Health, the Howard County Public School System, Howard Community College, Howard County General Hospital: a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine, American Red Cross, the Columbia Association, Howard County Mental Health Authority, Faith in Action, Parish Nursing Program, HUMANIM, Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, Volunteer Center Serving Howard County, Association of Community Services, Howard County Chamber of Commerce, Howard County Child Care Resource Center, Howard County Department of Citizen Services, Howard County Library, Howard County PTA Council, Sttar Center, and Domestic Violence Center of Howard County

Session 1

Personal Preparedness (lecture only)

In this 3 hour session students will learn the history of large scale disasters that have affected Howard County. As well as steps that Howard County has taken to minimize the impact of future large scale disasters. Included in this session you will review individual supplies, training and the psychology needed during the time of an disaster. A certificate of completion will be issued following the successful completion of this session.

Session 2 (lecture and practical)

Is an ASHI certified 3 hour combination lecture and practical session on basic first. Students will review anatomy, signs and symptoms of common illness and injuries, along with bleeding control techniques and shock management.
*students are required to complete both session 2 and session 3 to receive ASHI certification

Session 3 (lecture and practical)

Is an ASHI certified 3 hour combination lecture and practical session on basic first. In this session you will learn fracture management, patient movement and advanced patient assessment techniques.
*students are required to complete both session 2 and session 3 to receive ASHI certification

Session 4 (lecture and practical)

Is a 3 hour combination lecture and practical session where you will learn team organization and basic emergency incident management principals.  Students will participate in live flammable liquid fire extinguishment. A certificate of completion will be issued following the successful completion of this session.

Session 5 (lecture and practical)

In this 3 hour session students will review basic household utilities such as electric service, gas service, municipal water service, and how to secure them during an emergency should the need arise. Also in this session students will review basic portable generator safety and operating techniques. At the conclusion of this session students will be given information as to where they may obtain additional preparedness training such as CPR.  A certificate of completion will be issued following the successful completion of this session.

Spring 2008 Howard County C.E.R.T Class Schedule

Location of classes: James Robey Public Safety Training Center

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Wednesday April 9    7 pm -10 pm    Personal Preparedness lecture

Saturday April 12        8 am-11 am    Personal Preparedness lecture-mirror of 4/9 session

Tuesday April 15        7 pm -10 pm   First Aid Part 1

Thursday April 17       7 pm -10 pm   First Aid Part 2

Saturday April 19        8 am -11 pm    First Aid Part 1-mirror of 4/15 session

Saturday April 19        12 pm -3 pm    First Aid Part 2-mirror of 4/17 session

Tuesday April 22        7 pm -10 pm    Disaster Recovery Practical Part 1

Thursday April 24       7 pm -10 pm    Disaster Recovery Practical Part 2

Saturday April 26        8 am -11 am Disaster Recovery Part 1-mirror of 4/22 session

Saturday April 26        12 pm -3 pm    Disaster Recovery Part 2-mirror of 4/24 session

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All classes will be held at the James Robey Public Service Training Center, off Sand Hill Road.

Please feel free to contact Rich Philps at rphilps@howardcountymd.gov with any other questions, or call Rich at 443-472-8212.