Posted: 2/1/2008 5:57:17 AM EDT
| Is anyone here a member of CERT in their home town? I will graduate next week. The free training and gear was great. |
I've sent several e-mails over the past 6 mo. to my CERT training contact in my county and can't get a reply from them. I'd really like to take it but it's frustrating that they won't respond. It makes me assume they are using the govt. CERT training money for hookers and blow. |
Call your local firecheif, he will have the most updated contact, since more than likely he will be in charge come a diaster. http://www.texascitizencorps.org/ |
Ha Ha Ha.... I had the same problem. Took me about a year to get thru. Then I find I have to get all sorts of training.... but have no time. Funny thing is I could probably teach most of them myself. I taught high angle rescue to fire departments, rope work to PD SRTs, and SAR techniques to FD, F&G, and CAP back in the late 70s before it was popular... I realize things change, but now I cant hook up with anyone because I do not have the proper credentials. I will rattle the local CERT guy one more time this spring and see where it goes. |
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Been involved for a little over 3 years now and I enjoy it - so much so that I'm going to go for the instructors certification this year. Only bad thing is lack of communication at times between the groups. We are currently having a problem keeping people interested in it because many believe ANY 'disaster' they'll be called up - it doesn't work that way - every county is different. Our County has put through nearly 500 people yet barely get 30 people to show up at yearly required disaster drill and even less then that to our monthly meetings. The gear you're given needs to be modified big time to be really effective, take as many of the online FEMA courses as possible, Red Cross training, etc. It's a huge step above being a mindless sheeple, and yes, it has helped being part of CERT to work with local LEOs, Red Cross and Disaster Management people during certain circumstances. BUT... it has it's limitations. |
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I'm about half way thru training (going w/Oden above). It took me a few hours and about 13-15 phone calls to get thru to the right person (what happens when there is an emergency? LOL?) It's pretty aparent to me that Oden and myself are prob the most "ready" in the class. I'm going to do what I can to be involved and try to make it more cohesive in our county as like it's stated above, it seems pretty lax overall due to gov bs and many other reasons. |