Resolution No. 09913 1 RESOLUTION NO. 9913
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3 A RESOLUTION OF-THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
4 VERNON APPROVING AND. ADOPTING A CITY OF VERNON FIRE
DEPARTMENT'AND CITY OF VERNON POL-ICE DEPARTMENT
5 COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM PROGRAM
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7 WHEREAS, Chapter 8 of the Vernon City Code provides for the
g preparation and carrying out of plans for the protection of people and
g property within Vernon in the event of an emergency,. the direction of
10 -the emergency organization of the City, and the coordination of the
11 emergency functions of the City; and
12 WHEREAS, .all officers and employees of the City together
13 with those volunteer forces enrolled to aid them during an emergency
14 and all other groups or individuals charged with duties incident to
15 the protection of life and property in Vernon during an emergency
16 constitute the emergency organization of the City; and
17 WHEREAS, in an effort to help the City's residents and-
lg businesses to be disaster ready, the Police and Fire Departments of
19 the-,City have developed a Community Emergency Response Team ("CERT")
20 Program wherein an organized and trained group of volunteers under the
21 direction and control of the Police and Fire Departments cari rapidly
22 respond as a team to assist the Vernon community and-local first
23 responders in an emergency, disaster, or incident that requires
24 additional assistance; and
25 WHEREAS, CERT training will enhance the Fire and Police
26 Department's ability to serve the Vernon community during a disaster
27 when all emergency services are grossly overwhelmed and enable
2g businesses to be up and running quicker; and
1 WHEREAS, the Police and Fire Departments have requested the
2 adoption of the CERT Program for the benefit of citizens, residents
3 and employees in the City and the surrounding communities; and
4 WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Vernon desires to
5 adopt the CERT Program to be a part of the emergency organization of
6 the .City.
7 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
8 CITY OF VERNON AS FOLLOWS:
9 SECTION 1: The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby..
10 finds and determines that the recitals contained hereinabove are true
11 and correct.-
12 SECTION 2: The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby
13 approves and adopts the City of Vernon Fire Department and City of
14 Vernon Police Department CERT - Community Emergency Response Team
15 Program, in substantially the same form as the copy which is attached
16 hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated by reference.
17 SECTION 3: The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby
18 authorizes the Fire Chief or the Chief of Police or either of their
19 designees to administer the CERT disaster service worker oath given to
20 the City of Vernon CERT members .who are disaster service workers.
21 SECTION 4: The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby
22 .authorizes the City Administrator, or his designee, to make whatever
23 nonsubstantive, administrative and/or.text changes, upon advice of
24 counsel, to the CERT Program..
25 SECTION 5: The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby
26 approves and authorizes the City Administrator, or his designee, to
27 perform such-acts. and deeds as may be necessary or convenient to effect
28 -the purposes of this Resolution"and the transactions herein. approved or
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1 authorized and to execute any and all other documents as shall be
2 required to implement the Program.
3 SECTION 6: The City. Clerk of the City of Vernon shall
4 certify to the passage of this resolution, and thereupon and
5 thereafter.-the same shall be in full force and effect.
6 APPROVED AND ADOPTED-this 13th day of .April, 2009.
8 Hilario Gonzales
Name:
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Title ~P~a~T6r'~Mayor Pro-Tem
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MA UELA GIRON, it Clerk
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1 STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
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COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES )
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4 I, MANUELA GIRON, City Clerk of the City of Vernon, do hereby
5 certify that the foregoing Resolution, being Resolution No. 9913, was
6 duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Vernon at a regular
7 meeting of .the City Council duly held on Monday, April 13, 2009, and
g thereafter .was duly signed by the Mayor or Mayor Pro-Tem of the City of
g Vernon.
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MANUELA 0 City.Clerk
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(SEAL)
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EXHIBIT A
-City of Verlnon Fire Department
And
City of Vernon Police Department
CERT -Community Emergency .Response Team
Program Description- & Duties
SCOPE
The Vernon Fire and Police Departments recognize that in the
event or imminent threat of a major emergency, there is the
likelihood .that -first responders such as fire / rescue, law
enforcement emergency medical services, and emergency
management wilt be overwhelmed. Therefore, the
departments have developed a Community Emergency
Response Team (CERT). The Emergency Preparedness
Coordinator is designated as the CERT Team Program Manager
and is the primary point of contact for all CERT Team inquiries
and issues.
PURPOSE
The CERT program is to rapidly. respond as a team to assist the
community and local first responders with. an emergency,
disaster, or incident that requires additional assistance. CERT
members are part of an organized and trained group of
volunteers, and when asked by the department to activate, will
function under the direction of the Fire and Police Department's
Incident- Commanders or by personnel as assigned by the
Emergency Operations Director. (Chief of Fire. or Police). Prior
to responding to a CERT activation, members first must ensure
the safety of themselves, their own homes and families, and
the people around them in their businesses.
Being open to public scrutiny, the volunteer must realize that
his or her actions -are representative of the Vernon fire and
Police Departments as a whole. It is important that Volunteers
understand -the professional courtesy that is .expected when
volunteering as a CERT member.
ELIGIBILITY
CERT volunteers must meet the following requirements:
? Live or work in the City of Vernon.
? Must be at least 18 years old.
? Not be convicted of a felony or is currently under felony
charges. Applicants are subject a drivers. license check to
attest the crack of a criminal history.
Must be able to operate a motor vehicle.
? Complete the 20-hour, FEMA approved, CERT training
program coordinated by the fire department and conducted
by the Vernon Fire and Police Departments. Although other
agencies conduct similar training, .training coordinated by
the department includes modules specific to the community
such as learning City geography, evacuating .Vernon
businesses, controlling traffic and reporting incidents that
may cause harm to the community.
? Complete refresher training and scheduled. emergency. drills.
during the year.
? Be .able- to .physically and mentally execute any or all
competencies taught during the basic CERT training.
? Be of character that can be trusted under adverse conditions
where victims of disasters could be at a disadvantage. CERT-
volunteers must be trusted to treat victims and their
.property with highest respect and dignity.
? Complete and return the Hold Harmless Agreement, release
of information/records check waiver, and all registration
forms provided during the first class session (including the
Disaster Service Worker program registration).
? Provide a copy of proof of vehicle insurance.
CERT STRUCTURE
When responding to an incident, CERT volunteers will respond
as a team. rather than individually. Each team will consist of a:
? Team Leader (1)
? Assistant Team leader (1)
? Fire Suppression Team (at least 2)
? Search and Rescue Team (at least 2)
? Medical Triage Team (at least 2)
? Treatment Team (at least 2)
? Evacuation Team (at least 2)
Position Descriptions
The city is going to be divided into sections. Each section
meeting point will be one of the businesses in -that section. By
being divided into- these city sections, this means that CERT
members will be working with members from other homes or
businesses. After the CERT member has .taken care of
themselves, and checked on -their family, they will then check
on their -fellow co-workers. Once .they have aided their- co-
workers and checked out their place of business or home, they
can then check on their neighboring businesses. .When they
have stabilized their surrounding area, they can then proceed
to the business that .has been designated as the meeting area
for their section. There the fire or police departments will
make contact and -give out CERT team assignments to be
carried out. The fire. and police will try to make contact by
phone first. If unsuccessful by phone, contact will- be made
when the fire and .police department personnel are going
around and checking their target hazards. If the fire and police
departments are so .overwhelmed, that they have not make
.contact with CERT team members at the given business
meeting areas, then CERT team members can divide into their
teams and help businesses in the surrounding areas.
Team Leader
Meets with the Fire Department, Police Department'or Incident
Commander. to discuss the initial assessment of the scene and
coordinates appropriate course of action for team members.
Checks in each team member .and ensures they are safe and
equipped for the assignment.
Assigns team roles if not already assigned. When necessary,
compiles information on triage, treatment,- and .morgue areas,
evacuation sites and shelters, neighborhoods needing to be
evacuated and vehicle traffic routes.
Coordinates and directs .team's transportation.
Determines logistical needs for both .CERT members and first
responder personnel and determines ways. to meet those
needs.
Collects and writes reports on the operation and victims.
Ensures team accountability.
Communicates and coordinates with the Incident Commander
or his/her designee, throughout the incident.
The CERT team leader ensures that CERT members do not
work more than 12 continuous hours after activation.
Assistant Team Leader
In the event the Team Leader is not available to respond, the
Assistant Team Leader shall assume the role of the team
leader.
During a disaster, the Assistant Team Leader works under -the
supervision of the Team Leader and shall assist with carrying
.out the duties of the Team Leader.
Fire Suppression Team
Works under the supervision of the Team Leader to suppress
small fires in designated areas or as needed. When not working
on their primary assignment, the. Fire Suppression Team shall
assist teams needing additional CERT members,
Members of the Fire Suppression team will not attempt to
suppress fires unless accompanied by a team member. CERT
volunteers are trained. to conduct limited fire suppression and
will not attempt to suppress large or well-developed fires, or
fires that involve energized electrical equipment, flammable
liquids or combustible metals. ,
CERT volunteers will avoid operating in structures with a
hazard placard, especially those that contain warning of highly
toxic or explosive materials. CERT- volunteers shall .check the
smoke encountered upon, if the smoke is thick and black and
- instantly causes coughing or eye irritation, CERT volunteers will
not attempt to enter the building to conduct fire suppression.
Search and Rescue Team
Works under the supervision of the Team Leader, searching for
and providing rescue of victims. When not working on their
primary assignment, the Search-and Rescue Team shall assist
teams needing additional CERT members.
CERT members conduct light search and rescue operations
. within. their assigned locations. CERT volunteers conducting
search operations shall use controlled and organized methods
as taught in the CERT. basic training course. CERT volunteers
will conduct search operations in structures that .are
moderately to lightly damaged. CERT members will not search
structures that are unsafe.
CERT member may conduct light rescue. Rescue involves the
removal of a victim from peril.. Techniques for removal should
not exceed the capabilities of the team, nor should they
degrade the safety of all that are present.
Medical Triage Team
Works under the supervision of the Team Leader, providing
Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment (START triage) on victims
found at the scene. CERT members will mark victims with the
appropriate category of injury.. Simple treatment, such as
application of a pressure bandage to save life may. be initiated.
CERT members are not responsible for knowing or practicing
medical skills beyond the scope of their training. When not
working on their primary assignment, the Medical Triage -Team
shall assist teams needing additional CERT members.
MedicaF Treatment Team
Works under the supervision of the Team Leader, .and provides
medical treatment to victims within the scope of their CERT
training. CERT members have been trained to conduct limited
medical treatment and .will not conduct treatment beyond the
limits of their training while in a CERT status. When not
working on their primary. assignment, the .Medical Treatment
Team shall assist teams needing additional CERT members.
Evacuation Team
Works under the supervision of the Team Leader and conducts
the evacuation of designated businesses and houses. When
not working on their primary assignment, the Evacuation Team
shall assist teams needing additional CERT members.
Note: CERT members may have additional non-CERT .training
that may be disaster related. Should a CERT member be
required to perform tasks that are beyond their role as a-.CERT
member, such as CPR, AED, first responder,. etc., they are
aware that these tasks are beyond. CERT training. Therefore,
CERT members must notify their team leader that they will be
temporarily acting in another capacity -until the situation. has
been corrected.
CERT ACTIVATION
After insuring that their own family and home are safe, CERT
members should prepare to activate in the event of an
emergency.
The Chief of Fire or Police, Incident Commander (Fire or
Police), or his/her designee (Vernon. Emergency
Communications -Dispatch) may- activate CERT Teams. When
ordered to activate, team leaders will mobilize their team and
meet at the designated business location.
In the event communication .systems are overloaded or
inoperable,. CERT members shall .meet at .their designated
business location: There they -will be contacted by the Vernon
Fire or Police departments and will be -given instructions. In
the event that the. fire and police departments are so
overwhelmed and cannot .make contact with the CERT
members, then .CERT team members should form into their
teams. and perform their duties in their immediate surrounding
areas. These duties can be carried out until contact with fire
and .police departments is made.
CERT DEACTIVATION
The Chief of Fire or Police, Incident Commander (Fire or
Police), or his/her designee (Vernon Emergency
Communications -Dispatch) shall deactivate CERT.
IN]URIES
Refer to the Hold Harmless/Permission Request .form and the
Disaster Service Workers Ru/es and Regulations
USE OF CERT VOLUNTEERS:
CERT teams are primarily used during disasters or large- scale
emergencies where the Fire and Police departments are
overwhelmed.
CERT members will only be -used for tasks, which they.. are
trained to perform. In ,some instances, the .department or
emergency personnel may need assistance with other disaster-
related and labor .intensive tasks such as clerical,
administrative or logistics.
CERT members who activate themselves and respond to
incidents where CERT members are not needed will be warned
to follow the rules. If the CERT member continues to not follow
protocol and the set rules issued by the Vernon Fire and Police
Departments, then that CERT members certification will be`
revoked, and that person will be asked to not .participate in the
CERT program any longer.
CERT EQUIPMENT (Currently provided by Vernon Fire Dept.)
CERT backpacks and contents are the property of the Vernon
Fire and Police Departments and are provided to CERT Team
graduates upon successful completion of all CERT trai-Wing
session and certification by the Vernon Fire and Police
Department instructors.
Contents includes, (but is not limited too): a hardhat, reflective
vest, flashlight, Feather gloves, plastic gloves, goggles, dust
mask, lumber marking crayon, .field operations guide. and etc.
CERT volunteers shall wear or use their City-issued supplies
only when activated by the Vernon -Fire and Police
Departments, Incident Commander (Fire or Police), .their
designee (emergency. communications center -Dispatch) or
participating in training or other CERT events coordinated by
.the Vernon Fire and .Police Departments.
REPLACEMENT OF SUPPLIES
CERT members must .replace supplies .that are misplaced or
damaged by the CERT. member. The City will replace supplies
that are lost or damaged during an emergency response or
training.
CERT members shall notify the Emergency Preparedness
Coordinator/CERT Team Manager when supplies are needed.
Supplies that need to be replaced after use during an
emergency response such as water, batteries, dust masks,
plastic gloves, glow sticks, etc. will be replaced by the City.
DEBRIEFING
A debriefing will -take place after each incident on a date and
time designated. by the Incident Commander (Fire or Police).
MEDIA PROTOCAL
All CERT volunteers will defer media inquiries to the Public
Information Officer.
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
DATE: April-27, 2009
TO: Steve Towles, Chief of Police
Mark Whitworth, Fire Chief
FR0 - Nelly Giron, City Clerk
RE: Resolution No. 9913 - A,Resolution of the City Council of
the .City of Vernon Approving and Adopting a City of Vernon,
Fire Department and City of Vernon Police Department
Community Emergency Response Team Program
Transmitted herewith is a copy of Resolution No. 9913 referenced
above, which was approved by City Council on April"13, 2009,
Thank you.
NG:km
c: .Resolution No. 9913
Rte- ~9~ v. 4.~
A('pR~V~D APB 1 '09 CITY COUNCIL
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Memo ~A~
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To: Eric Fresch, City Administrator fjY A~TQRN
Jeff Harrison, City Attorney EY d~~
From:- Mark C. Whitworth, Fire. Chief
Date: March 24, 2009
Re: CERT Program-Community Emergency Response Teams
In today's busy life, it is very easy to see why, being prepared for a major disaster is so easy to put off. No one wants-
to take the time or effort from their personal life to get disaster training and learn how to survive and help. others in the
- event of a catastrophic disaster. This is where the City of Vernon can offer one more service to its -great community in
addition to all of its other services.. The Vernon Fire and Police departments want to offer CERT (Community
Emergency Response Teams) training here in the city, to help its residents and businesses to be disaster ready.
CERT training gives people the tools and knowledge to take care of themselves and their family first, and then to offer
help to other people. They offer this help, while working with other CERT members in a team environment. CERT
training teaches people about disaster preparedness at home, in their car, at work and anywhere else. It also teaches
people about fire safety, fire suppression, first aid for medical treatment, medical triage, light search and rescue, how
CERT members interact with emergency services, how to recognize hazardous materials and terrorist type events-and
disaster psychology. In the event of a major disaster, when all emergency services -are grossly overwhelmed, these
CERT members will be able to aid themselves and then help the surrounding community if they so choose. They can
help to extinguish small fires, render medical aid and search buildings. for potential victims and- problems. Performing
all of these tasks will save the Vernon Fire-and Police department's valuable resources and time.
The City of Vernon Fire and Police Departments feel that having this program is not only a great idea, but it is very
necessary. Offering this CERT program to Vernon's residents and businesses will help them sustain a major disaster
and get back to business sooner. -This progam will also help the Fire and Police Departments with precious time
during their emergency responses after a disaster.
I am requesting that the City Council pass a resolution and officially accept the CERT program as one more wonderful
service the City of Vernon offers its community. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me.
Cc: Kristen Enomoto, Council Department Manager
-Judy -Lehr, Legal Secretary
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