UT CERT

Overview:
Under the Office of Security and Emergency Management, the UT Campus Emergency Response Team (UT CERT) is recruiting a newly formed, student-led group that trains volunteer students to assist our campus during disasters or emergencies. UT CERT features classroom instruction, practical exercises, and regular team meetings to enhance preparedness for activation and develop student leaders.

Purpose and Scope:
The purpose of UT CERT is to enhance the preparedness, resilience, and safety of the university community by training and organizing student volunteers to respond effectively to emergencies. The program aims to support the existing emergency management capabilities on campus, with a focus on empowering students assist in the event of an incident on campus. The CERT program will serve as an integral part of the university’s overall emergency preparedness strategy, fostering a culture of safety, collaboration, and community engagement while ensuring that all activities remain within the scope of the team’s training and responsibilities.

What is CERT?
Before, during, and after disasters, CERT volunteer teams perform basic response activities, including checking in on neighbors, distributing information to the public, supporting emergency operations centers, and helping to manage traffic and crowds. Local CERT programs train and organize teams of volunteers to assist their families, neighbors, co-workers, and other community members.

*A Campus CERT program can support and enhance existing capabilities and CERT volunteers can participate in efforts to increase the preparedness and resilience of the on-campus community.

History of CERT
The CERT concept was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1985. The Whittier Narrows earthquake in 1987 underscored the area-wide threat of a major disaster in California. Further, it confirmed the need for training civilians to meet their immediate needs.

CERT became a national program in 1993. There are now CERT programs in all 50 states, including many tribal nations and U.S. territories. Each is unique to its community and all are essential to building a Culture of Preparedness in the United States. There are more than 3,200 local CERT programs nationwide and more than 600,000 people have trained since CERT became a national program.

Roles & Responsibilities of UT CERT:

• Help foster a culture of safety on campus
• Obtain training for emergency preparedness and response
• Respond to support campus safety events and Emergency Operation Center (EOC) activations
• Network with community advocates for support
• Support campus safety and emergency management operations

Why Should You Join UT CERT?

• Hands-on emergency management experience
• Learning how to stay safe and assist others during emergencies, whether on campus, at home, or post-graduation.
• Leadership and team organization training and experience
• Volunteer hours

Training Offered:

• Stop the Bleed - SEM & UTMRC
• CPR/AED Training (Refresher Course, not certificate) - SEM
• Radio Training - SEM
• Incident Command System Training - SEM
• Disaster Preparedness
• Disaster Drill / Simulation
• Other training offered by Red Cross and other sources

When Would We Activate?
The top priority of UT CERT training and activation is ensuring the safety of UT CERT volunteers while equipping participants with skills to help themselves and their campus community mitigate risks during disasters. UT CERT isn't about running into a burning building; rather, it focuses on preparedness and support in emergency situations. Some of these activations might include:

• Campus Support During an Emergency
• Winter Storm or Other Weather-Related Event
• Mass Casualty Incident
• Activation of Reunification Center and Volunteer Support is Needed