Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

Richmond Hill Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) - 

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a vital program under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that trains volunteers to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities. These volunteers learn essential skills in disaster preparedness, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

The goal of the Richmond Hill CERT program is to create a network of trained citizens who can assist our professional first responders during emergencies. We have assembled an initial core team of active community leaders who bring diverse and valuable backgrounds, including experience in the military, medical fields, and public safety.

This dedicated group recently completed comprehensive CERT training provided by experienced staff from Glynn County EMA and GEMA, under the auspices of Bryan County EMA Director Alli Padgett, who fully supports and recognizes this initiative as a vital asset to our regional emergency preparedness efforts.

The establishment of this CERT program aligns with the goals of the Bryan County Hazard Mitigation Plan, which emphasizes the importance of citizen preparedness and volunteer support in enhancing community resilience to disasters. 

We will soon be offering the opportunity for more Richmond Hill residents to join our CERT team and undergo this crucial training in our ongoing efforts to build a more prepared and resilient community.

In the event of a disaster, CERT volunteers can provide immediate support by:

• Providing basic medical aid to injured individuals.
• Conducting light search and rescue for trapped or missing persons.
• Assisting with traffic and crowd control.
• Distributing essential supplies.
• Providing shelter support.
• Relaying critical information to emergency personnel.

By having a well-trained CERT, a nationally recognized FEMA program comprised of dedicated community members with relevant expertise and supported by regional EMA leadership, Richmond Hill will significantly enhance its overall resilience and ability to respond effectively to various emergencies, ultimately making our community safer. These volunteers are a force multiplier for our existing emergency services, providing crucial support until professional help arrives.

Five Fast Facts about CERT:

• Locally Trained Volunteers: Richmond Hill residents who are trained in disaster response skills like first aid and light search & rescue.
• FEMA Program: Part of a national FEMA initiative to build community preparedness.
• Force Multiplier: Supports our first responders, providing crucial help during emergencies.
• Resilient Community: Enhances Richmond Hill's ability to prepare for and recover from disasters.
• Resident Opportunity: We will soon offer training for more residents to join this vital team.