University of Central Florida faculty and staff members are invited to join the university’s Campus Emergency Response Team, or CERT.
CERT educates people about disaster preparedness, helps them plan for hazards that could impact UCF, and trains them in basic disaster-response skills so that they can better protect themselves, their families and the community. The volunteer organization was previously open only to students.
Classroom training and exercises teach participants fire safety, light search and rescue, and basic disaster medical operations. The preparation will train CERT members to assist others on or off campus if professional responders are not immediately available to help.
CERT members also can gain real-world experience during regional disaster exercises.
CERT membership is free, but participants are expected to commit their time and dedication to the team. No prior emergency response or disaster preparedness is necessary, and training will be offered on campus in the spring.
Upon completion of a training course, CERT members are asked to attend monthly meetings and exercises and assist at campus and local events.
For more information, contact the CERT advisor Ari Schein at 407-823-0714 or ari.schein@ucf.edu.