NIMS Training

C.E.R.T.

Community Emergency Response Team

The Ottawa County Emergency Management Agency is pleased to announce the formation of an Ottawa County Citizen Emergency Response Team, or CERT.  The Citizen Corps program is a federally developed volunteer organization, and it is supported by small grants from FEMA to the states and then distributed to county applicants. Ottawa County EMA will receive $7,000 over the next year to support its CERT program development.  Services are provided free to disaster victims and county residents, and training to be part of the team is covered by the grant.

The CERT will consist of county residents and workers who want to help when a disaster strikes, or who want to assist with family and individual disaster preparedness activities in the county.  CERT does not duplicate efforts of other organizations, but instead helps other organizations who respond to disasters.  CERT can do things like establish a Volunteer Reception and Donations Management Center at the disaster site.  They work directly with homeowners and victims to get spontaneous volunteers where they are needed, and to distribute unsolicited donations to help them.  They support the victims of disaster as well as the organizations and first responders who are mobilized.

For persons interested in becoming a part of the Citizen Corps Advisory Council or the CERT, contact team coordinator Sandy Waggoner at sandy@rsassociatesllc.com or by calling 419-602-0758.   

Does your organization or department have a specific training need? We may be able to help.

Email:   mdrusbacky@co.ottawa.oh.us