Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Rules and Regulations
Volunteers respond to and cope with the aftermath of natural or manmade disasters. |
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- You are not a Sheriff's Deputy or Fire Fighter.
You are trained to function as an extension of the fire department's response to catastrophic disasters when such circumstances exist or when directed by emergency services officials.
- You are forbidden to carry guns, knives, sticks or other weapons.
You have been trained for immediate disaster response and there is no need, place or legal authorization for you to carry or use any of the above. To do so will jeopardize your own safety and the continued existence of the CERT program in Okaloosa County.
- Your first responsibility is to yourself and your family.
When disaster occurs your first responsibility is to ensure you own safety and the safety of your family. You should not venture out on your own to start search & rescue operations without your team members.
- Contact your CERT Leader.
If disaster occurs such as a hurricane, tornado, plane crash, etc. After ensuring that you and your family are safe, you should assemble with your CERT leader and group for additional instruction and directions. Your CERT leader is your point of contact for the Fire and Sheriff Departments. Do not attempt to contact the Fire Department or Sheriff's Office directly unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
- If you cannot reach your CERT Leader
due to phone lines down, power off, etc., respond to your pre-designated rally point for your neighborhood CERT. Do this only when you are sure it is safe to do so. Do not leave a place of safety during a storm.
- Bring all of your recommended safety gear and badge.
When functioning as a member of the Okaloosa County CERT team, you should always have your issued CERT badge with you and display it on the outside of your clothing. Furthermore, wearing recommended safety gear would insure your basic safety requirements are met.
- Stay within the scope of your training.
You have been trained under the curriculum of FEMA's Community Emergency Response Team program. Please confine your actions to those guidelines and stay within the scope of your training and certification.
- Stay within your limitations.
You must confine your actions to your physical and resource limitations when responding as a member of a CERT. Such limitations maybe determined by, but not limited to, equipment available, physical abilities, knowledge, authority, hazards, etc.
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Dino J. Villani,
Director of Public Safety
90 College Boulevard East
Niceville, FL 32578
Phone: (850) 651-7150
Fax: (850) 651-7170
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