Campus CERT

Program Overview

Campus Community Emergency Response Teams (Campus CERT or CCERT) are groups of trained individuals who have volunteered to take an active role during campus emergencies. Teams are generally organized by building. Our goal is to have a team in every occupied building on campus. As of June 2011, we have teams established in 35 buildings and that number is steadily growing.

Team Member Responsibilities

The main responsibility of team members is to help building occupants evacuate, take shelter or otherwise respond to emergency situations. Team members are trained to always address their own safety first, so that they are able to do the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

During an emergency, Campus CERT members assist first responders as requested and help communicate information about the situation to building occupants. At other times, they may identify and help correct hazards in their building as well as educate building occupants on preparing for and responding to emergencies.

Team Member Training

All Campus CERT members attend 16 hours of classroom and hands-on training, followed by a half day exercise during which they practice the skills learned in the training. Topics covered in the training include:

• Disaster preparedness
• Fire safety and fire extinguisher use
• Disaster medical operations
• Light search and rescue
• Campus CERT organization
• Disaster psychology
• Terrorism and Campus CERT

Team members also participate in periodic team meetings and refresher training, and are provided opportunities to further develop their skills through additional training opportunities.

Current Teams on Campus

If you're not sure if a team is in place in your building, ask your supervisor or contact the Auburn University Department of Public Safety & Security at emergencymanagement@auburn.edu or 334-844-8888.

How to Get Involved

The first step in getting involved is to get approval from your supervisor. If a team is already in place in your building, talk with a team member or the team leader to find out if there is a need for additional team members. To discuss starting a new team in your building or to learn about training opportunities, contact the Department of Public Safety & Security at emergencymanagement@auburn.edu or 334-844-8888.

Links

Auburn University Campus CERT Brochure

Lee County Emergency Management Agency CERT Program

National Community Emergency Response Team Program