Download a printable copy of the scholarship application here: 2021 CERT Scholarship

Maps & Directions

Brooklyn Heights, 44131

Independence, 44131

Seven Hills, 44131

Valley View, 44125

QUAD CITY CERT OFFERS FREE FEMA TRAINING CLASSES

This training will give you valuable information on keeping your family safe throughout a disaster. You will learn how to shelter in place, basic safety in your home, what to expect from your local governments, what is expected of you, and much more. Twenty-two hours of training that will last a lifetime! It will also empower you to assist your neighbors and your community if you choose to help if a situation warrants trained CERT members be called out by the Safety Forces for assistance. Class content has been updated since we began this program in 2004. Not one person has ever told us they were sorry they took this series of classes!! For further information and/or to sign up, contact us at quadcitycert@gmail.com.

FEMA CERT Training Classes
The CERT training for community groups is usually delivered in 2 1/2 hour sessions, one evening a week over a 7 week period. The training consists of the following classes:

• Session I, DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
• Session II, DISASTER FIRE SUPPRESSION
• Session III, DISASTER MEDICAL OPERATIONS PART I
• Session IV, DISASTER MEDICAL OPERATIONS, PART II
• Session V, LIGHT SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS
• Session VI, DISASTER PSYCHOLOGY AND TEAM ORGANIZATION
• Session VII, COURSE REVIEW

All Training Classes are FREE!

CERT Community Benefits
People who go through CERT training have a better understanding of the potential threats to their home, workplace and community and can take the right steps to lessen the effects of these hazards on themselves, their homes or workplace. If a disaster happens that overwhelms local response capability, CERT members can apply the training learned in the classroom and during exercises to give critical support to their family, loved ones, neighbors or associates in their immediate area until help arrives. When help does arrive, CERTs provide useful information to responders and support their efforts, as directed, at the disaster site. CERT members can also assist with non-emergency projects that improve the safety of the community. CERTs have been used to distribute and/or install smoke alarms, replace smoke alarm batteries in the home of elderly, distribute disaster education material, provide services at special events, such as parades, sporting events, concerts and more.

• Promote and support Quad City CERT within municipalities, county and state levels

Executive Board *
• All members of Executive Board must play an active role throughout the year by chairing a committee or taking on a non-board position. (i.e., Photographer, Website, Newsletter, Home Days Committee, etc.)

* Voting Positions
Chairman * / Planning (Chief J.Stefanko)
• Position held by a fire chief rotating annually
• Lead person of Advisory Board
• Handle role of Public Information Officer
• Liaison to Cuyahoga CERT Association. Attend Cuyahoga CERT Association meetings to represent Quad City CERT and apprise Executive Board of their activities, etc.
• Attend Quad City CERT Executive Board meetings
• Schedule and ensure annual financial audit is completed
• Keep Advisory Board aware of Quad City CERT activities, needs, goals, etc.

Vice Chairperson * / Operations (Steve Rega)
• Assist the Chairperson with Quad City CERT activities as needed
• Chair the Training Committee. Schedule trainers and classes annually.
• Back up to Chairperson in their absence
• Schedule and coordinate at least one annual, major drill
• And other duties that may arise
• Work closely with Executive Director to lead Quad City CERT
• Report to Chairperson / Executive Board

Executive Director * / Operations (Steve Peine)
• Plan, generate, distribute agenda and attend all Executive Board meetings
• Plan, generate, distribute agenda, and attend all Leadership meetings
• Be a signer on checking account
• Coordinate and/or share information with other local CERT teams
• Create committees as needed and attend committee meetings as necessary
• List Quad City CERT events on Ohio Responds website
• Oversee website to ensure all necessary information is posted (back-up to designated person)
• Oversee quarterly newsletter to ensure pertinent information is communicated (back-up to designated person)
• Schedule meeting rooms for General Meetings, Executive Board meetings, Leadership meetings, etc.
• Oversee Community Coordinators, Community Representatives and all Committee Chairpersons
• Oversee fundraising committee and ensure fundraising efforts are made throughout year
• And other duties that may arise
• Report to Vice Chairperson / Executive Board

Treasurer * / Financial (Phyllis Glaeser) Civilian
• Attend monthly Executive Board meetings and submit monthly financial report
• Maintain Quad City CERT checking account
• Pay bills as presented and approved, make bank deposits promptly, keep checkbook balanced
• Provide annual spreadsheet report of all financial activity
• Maintain approved budget
• Prepare and file annual IRS tax paperwork including form for Executive Director stipend
• Maintain 501c3 status and all necessary IRS paperwork
• Be sure that the Board works within 501c3 framework
• Complete application process for all available grants and work with designated persons for purchasing
• And other duties that may arise
• Assist Executive Director to research any available funding opportunities (Wal-Mart, etc.)
• Report to Executive Board

Executive Board Secretary * / Planning (Vicki Brzoska)
• Attend monthly Executive Board meetings and take precise notes
• Type monthly minutes, mark all “to do” items in bold and distribute within seven days to all board members and leadership team
• Report Executive Board meeting attendance to Communication Chair within seven days
• Maintain book of Executive Board Meeting Minutes
• Assign Resolution numbers as necessary and maintain Book of Resolutions
• And other duties that may arise
• Report to Executive Board

Community Representatives (4) * / Operations (B. Johnson, P. Goldsworth, Ralph Gromelski, V.V. Pending) Civilian
• Attend monthly Executive Board meetings and represent your city
• Actively work with Community Coordinator of your city
• Be aware of your municipal events and advise where Quad City CERT can participate and/or support
• Work with city officials/employees to coordinate Quad City CERT events and to promote Quad City CERT
• Work with Community Coordinator on all aspects of Home Day events
• Can be person currently on Executive Board
• And other duties that may arise
• Must play an active role throughout the year by chairing a committee or taking on a non-board position, (i.e., Photographer, Website, Newsletter, Home Days Committee, etc.)
• Report to Executive Board

Community Coordinators (4) / Operations (BH-T. Pending, IN-D. Juliani, SH-Pending, VV-Pending) Civilians
• Actively work with Community Representative of your city
• Be aware of your municipal events and advise where Quad City CERT can participate and/or support
• Work with city officials and employees to coordinate Quad City CERT events and to promote Quad City CERT in city
• Publicize Quad City CERT events in your municipal publications in a timely manner
• Recruit volunteers for scheduled events
• Work with Community Representative on all aspects of Home Day events
• And other duties that may arise
• Report to Executive Board

Leadership Team / Planning (Community Coordinators, Reps, Committee Chairs) Interested Volunteers
• Team is comprised of all Community Coordinators, Community Representatives, all Chairpersons
• Any Quad City CERT volunteer is welcome to attend and participate

Database Administrator/Logistics (Walt Ellert) Civilian
• Maintain Quad City CERT database in Microsoft Office Access program. This includes keeping track of contact information, training classes, volunteer hours, certifications, and other information.
• Maintain database in the strictest of confidence
• Prepare spreadsheets as requested
• Distribute email blasts, quarterly newsletter and other communication as requested
• And other duties that may arise
• Report to Executive Director

Home Day Committee / Logistics (Phyllis Glaeser) Civilians
• Retrieve home day kits from Quad City CERT storage area and replenish as needed
• Coordinate to get kits to each Community Coordinator in ample time for their Home Days
• Inventory kits between each home day and replenish as necessary
• Coordinate with Treasurer to purchase necessary items (i.e., balloons, candy, etc.) and cash
• Inventory kits after all home days are complete, update inventory list and return to storage area
• And other duties that may arise
• Report to Executive Director

Newsletter Committee / Logistics (Steve Peine) Civilian
• Actively work with the Executive Director for information to be published
• Obtain information and print a quarterly newsletter per the template provided
• Must be computer literate
• And other duties that may arise
• Report to Executive Director

Training Coordinator / Operations (Mary Benedek) Civilian
• Direct all training activities per direction from the Executive Board
• Work closely with all trainers including holding at least one annual meeting
• Ensure that our trainers have up-to-date FEMA CERT materials
• Coordinate with Treasurer for necessary purchases as approved by the Executive Board
• Suggest to Vice Chairperson ideas for new and/or additional training both through FEMA and other sources (i.e., utilities, etc.)
• Schedule and complete any necessary paper work to ensure necessary training facilities as approved by the Vice Chairperson and/or the Executive Board
• And other duties that may arise
• Report to Vice Chairperson

Publicist / Logistics (Pending) Civilian
• Actively work closely with Community Coordinators and Representatives to ensure that all Quad City CERT activities are properly publicized in all municipal publications
• Post all Quad City CERT activities on local cable, newspaper and other media channels
• Must be computer literate
• Actively work with Executive Director to be aware of Quad City CERT activities and events
• And other duties that may arise
• Report to Executive Director

Hospitality / Logistics (Elizabeth Sourek) Civilian
• Plan, prepare, purchase and lay out refreshments at Quarterly General Meetings
• Coordinate with Treasurer for reimbursement or cash for purchases as approved by Executive Board
• Possible other meetings and/or events may require refreshments/meals
• And other duties that may arise
• Report to Executive Director

Website Committee / Logistics (Jim Wheeler)
• Work with website administrator to keep website up to date
• Actively work with the Executive Director for information to be published
• Add all events on calendar
• Post files as necessary for training, fundraising, etc.
• Must be computer literate
• Training will be provided. It is not necessary to have any prior website experience
• And other duties that may arise
• Report to Executive Director

Facebook Committee / Logistics (Jim Wheeler) 
• Actively work with the Executive Director for information to be published
• Add “events” as necessary
• Post files as necessary for training, fundraising, etc.
• Must be computer literate
• Training will be provided. It is helpful to have prior Facebook experience
• Maintain Facebook page by adding pertinent and promotional information
• And other duties that may arise
• Report to Executive Director

Fundraising Committee / Logistics (Executive Board)
• Actively work with the Executive Director for to plan fundraising efforts
• Plan and execute fundraising throughout the year
• And other duties that may arise
• Report to Executive Director

MIC/POD Committee / Logistics (Nada Flemming) Civilian or FD
• Per Fire Department

Transportation Committee / Logistics (Ron Latare) Civilian
• Coordinate all aspects of transportation for purposes of drills, exercises and emergency events
• Obtain necessary MOU’s for use of parking areas, busses, etc.
• Secure necessary volunteers, drivers, etc.
• And other duties that may arise
• Report to Vice Chairperson

Citizen Corps Liaison / Planning (Steve Peine) Civilian
• Attend Citizen Corps meetings to represent Quad City CERT
• Report Citizen Corps activities, requests, etc. to Executive Board
• And other duties that may arise
• Report to Executive Board

Police / Operations (BH Jim Cassidy)(VV John Krucek)( SH IN Pending) PD
• Coordinate with Advisory Board, Chairperson, and/or Vice Chairperson
• Plan police department support for emergency and non-emergency events

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is CERT?

Answer: The Community Emergency Response Team
(CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for
hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster
response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team
organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training
learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can
assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event
when professional responders are not immediately available to help.
CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response
agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness
projects in their community. The About CERT section of this site
gives you a complete description of CERT.

Question: How does CERT benefit the community?

Answer: People who go through CERT training have a
better understanding of the potential threats to their home,
workplace and community and can take the right steps to lessen the
effects of these hazards on themselves, their homes or workplace. If
a disaster happens that overwhelms local response capability, CERT
members can apply the training learned in the classroom and during
exercises to give critical support to their family, loved ones,
neighbors or associates in their immediate area until help arrives.
When help does arrive, CERTs provide useful information to
responders and support their efforts, as directed, at the disaster
site. CERT members can also assist with non-emergency projects that
improve the safety of the community. CERTs have been used to
distribute and/or install smoke alarms, replace smoke alarm
batteries in the home of elderly, distribute disaster education
material, provide services at special events, such as parades,
sporting events, concerts and more.

Question: Is there a CERT near me?

Answer: Over 1100 communities and growing have
listed their program on the CERT web site under the Directory of
CERT Programs by State. You can check the State Directory to see if
one is in your community. There also is a web site maintained by Los
Angeles City CERT volunteers that has a listing of “Other Team
Links”.

Question: How do we start a CERT program?

Answer: CERT requires a partnership between
community members and local government, emergency management and
response agencies. The program does take a commitment of time and
resources from all parties. Interested community members should
discuss with local government and emergency management officials
ways to improve their community’s preparedness capability and how
they can be involved. The outcome of these discussions can range
from education programs to an active training program like CERT that
prepares participants to be part of the community’s response
capability following major disasters. It is also important to
develop a plan that covers training, maintenance and activation
standards as well as administrative requirements like databases and
funding. This plan will act as a guide so that one can evaluate the
program and make adjustments.

Question: How is the CERT funded?

Answer: Congress has provided funds through the
Citizen Corps program to the States and Territories. Grants from
these funds may be available to local communities to start CERT
programs. Contact your State Citizen Corps point of contact to learn
more about grant possibilities.

Also, there are a variety of local approaches to funding. Some
communities build costs into their local budget while others charge
participants to attend training to cover costs for instructors and
course materials. In a few communities, CERT organizations have
formed 501 (C) 3 for non-profit status to allow them to do
fundraising and seek corporate donations.

Question: Why take the CERT training?

Answer: Local government prepares for everyday
emergencies. However, there can be an emergency or disaster that can
overwhelm the community’s immediate response capability. While
adjacent jurisdictions, State and Federal resources can activate to
help, there may be a delay for them getting to those who need them.
The primary reason for CERT training is to give people the
decision-making, organizational, and practical skills to offer
immediate assistance to family members, neighbors, and associates
while waiting for help. While people will respond to others in need
without the training, the goal of the CERT program is to help people
do so effectively and efficiently without placing themselves in
unnecessary danger.

A success story about CERTs comes from events during the wildfires
in Florida. The Edgewater CERT helped emergency management and the
fire department personnel by assisting with evacuation; handling
donations; preparing food for firefighters; and answering the phone
while the professionals were fighting the fire. This is a great
example of CERT members and response personnel working together for
the benefit of the community.

Question: Who can take the training?

Answer: Naturals for the training are neighborhood
watch, community organizations, communities of faith, school staff,
workplace employees, scouting organization and other groups that
come together regularly for a common purpose. CERT skills are useful
in disaster and everyday life events.

Question: How do I take CERT training?

Answer: To become a CERT member, you will have to
take the CERT training from a sponsoring agency like an emergency
management agency, fire department or police department in the area
where you live or work. Contact the local emergency manager where
you live or work and ask about the education and training
opportunities available to you. Let this person know about your
interest in CERT.

Question: What if I want to do more than just the
basic training?

Answer: CERT members can increase their knowledge
and capability by attending classes provided by other community
agencies on animal care, special needs concerns, donation
management, community relations, shelter management, debris removal,
utilities control, advanced first aid, Automatic External
Defibrillator use, CPR skills, and others. The sponsoring agency
should maintain records of this training and call upon CERT members
when these additional skills are needed in the community.

CERT member also can use their skills to help the program flourish
by volunteering to schedule events, produce a newsletter, perform
administrative work, and take leadership positions.

Question: How do CERT members maintain their
skills?

Answer: CERT members and the local sponsoring
agency work together to maintain team skills and the working
partnership. It is suggested that the sponsor conduct refresher
classes and an annual exercise where all CERT members are invited to
participate. Some response agencies have conducted joint exercises
with CERT teams and operate as they would during an actual disaster.
The last point does bring up a lesson learned. Besides training CERT
members, it is also important to educate members of response
agencies in the community about CERTs, the skills that team members
have learned during training and the role that they will have during
a major disaster. One way to develop trust between CERT and
responders is by encouraging agency personnel to participate in
classes as instructors and coaches and in activities with CERT
members.

Understanding that CERTs may operate independently following a
disaster. CERTs can practice this independence by taking some
responsibility for their own training. Teams can design activities
and exercises for themselves and with other teams. Some members can
be rescuers, some victims, and some evaluators. After the event,
there can be a social so that community teams can discuss the
exercise and get to know each other.

Question: Can someone under age 18 participate?

Answer: This is a local decision. Someone under 18
should be with a parent or have permission to attend. Some
communities have reached out specifically to young people. Winter
Springs High School in Florida offers the training to high school
students. You can read an article about this. CERT is a great way to
address the community service requirements for high school students
and provides students with useful skills. CERT also fits nicely with
training given to Boy and Girl Scouts and the Civil Air patrol.

Question: What if I have concerns about my age or
physical ability?

Answer: There are many jobs within a CERT for
someone who wants to be involved and help. Following a disaster,
CERT members are needed for documentation, comforting others,
logistics, etc. Non-disaster related team activities may include
keeping databases, developing a website, writing a newsletter,
planning activities, helping with special events and organizing
exercises and activities.

During CERT classroom training, if one has a concern about doing a
skill like lifting, just let the instructor know. You can learn from
watching. We would like everyone who wants to go through the
training to have an opportunity to participate and learn the skills.
CERT educates participants about local hazards and trains them in
skills that are useful during disaster and life’s everyday
emergencies.

Question: What about liability?

Answer: The text of the Volunteer Protection Act of
1997 is available for viewing. Also there is information about State
Liability Laws located on the Citizen Corps website. During
training, each sponsoring agency should brief its CERT members about
their responsibilities as a CERT member and volunteer. Finally,
there is a job aid on liability for you to review in our Start a
CERT Program section.

The CERT material was developed by the Los Angeles City Fire
Department and adopted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in
1993. The CERT manual contains basic and straightforward material
that has been accepted by those using it as the standard for
training.

It is important to remember that the best sources of help in
emergencies are professional responders. However, in situations when
they are not immediately available, people will want to act and
help. We have seen this time and again in our history. CERT training
teaches skills that people can use to safely help while waiting for
responders. The alternate is to do nothing and that is not in our
nature.