Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
"Neighbors Helping Neighbors"
Mission
Outagamie County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) serves our community through emergency preparedness education and efficient, effective and selfless volunteer response during and after times of disaster.
History of CERT
Click on the tabs below to explore the history of CERT.
September 19th, 1985
In 1985, a magnitude 8.0 earthquake shook Mexico City. During the recovery phase of this incident, untrained volunteers saved about 700 people. Unfortunately, 100 volunteers died trying to help those in need.
February 1986
Frank Borden, former Assistant Fire Chief of City of Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), recognized that after disasters citizens turn into first responders. He observed this act after the Kyoto and Mexico City Earthquake in 1985. Borden wanted to find a way to strengthen his community members to be able to respond after a disaster.
In 1986, the LAFD hosted their first CERT training to help teach people what to do in an emergency. CERT members learned how to put out small fires, give basic first aid, and help search for and rescue others. On October 1st, 1987, the CERT team responded after the Whittier Narrows Earthquake, Here, they took what they learned and applied it in a disaster.
1990s
In 1993, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recognized the need for the whole country to have CERT program. They adopted the CERT training from LAFD and made it available for all communities.
In 1994, FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI) started teaching a “Training-the-Trainer” class. Individuals took the class to learn how to teach the CERT training. They brought back this training back home to create their own CERT program.
2000s
Following the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001, state and local governments increased opportunities for citizens to learn how to protect their community and support first responders. In January 2002, President George W. Bush launched Citizen Corps, to encourage volunteerism and prepare individuals for after a disaster.
In 2005, Wisconsin joined Citizen Corps. The state ended up dividing into regions for this program. At first, the implementation of the division structure worked. However, Emergency Managers decided it was better for each county to set its own goals.
Currently
There is over 3,200 local CERT programs throughout all 50 states. In total, there has been more than 600,000 individuals trained to be CERT members.
CERT is continuously growing bigger making communities better prepared for the next disaster.
Outagamie County CERT History
Outagamie County CERT would like to thank everyone who contributed in the growth of our CERT. If it were not for the support from the community and first responders, we would not be where we are today!
2009
Outagamie County CERT started out small in 2009. During the early stages, CERT promoted their team and activities.
2012
In 2012, CERT received a donated ambulance and that launched CERT’s Rehab program.
CERT providing Rehab in Grand Chute (2013)
2015
Three years later, Appleton Fire Department donated a truck and trailer to the team. This donation transformed CERT's Rehab efforts into a bigger program.
CERT providing Rehab in the Town of Maine (January 2nd, 2022)
CERT at Freedom's water hauling exercise (2023)
2018
Friends of CERT (FoCERT) was formed in 2018. FoCERT is a 501c3, non-profit, non-member Wisconsin organization. Our board has nine persons including an OC EM staff member.
2023 and 2024
After many activations, replacement of the truck and trailer was being thought of. Through Capital Campaigns, CERT was able to raise money to buy a new truck in 2023 and a new trailer in 2024.These upgrades enhanced CERT's ability to provide Rehab and resources to first responders.
CERT Rehab
Since getting the ambulance in 2012, rehab has become a significant role for the team. When a major fire or response is taking place, local responders can request CERT to respond to the scene. Once on scene with their trailer, CERT provides Rehab to those on scene. Rehab consists of:
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Relief from climatic conditions
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Rest and recovery
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Active and passive cooling
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Rehydration
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Calorie and electrolyte replacement
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Member accountability
Outreach Events
CERT members attend various outreach events throughout the year. Parades, Safety Day Events, and National Night Out keep our team busy. CERT helps our office educate the public about home safety and disaster preparedness. Are you interested in CERT being present at your next safety event? Please contact the CERT Coordinator, paula.vandeleygraaf@outagamie.org.
Safety Day Events
Throughout of County, fire and police departments host Safety Days and Open Houses. First responders connect with the community to promote a positive relationship.
Safety Day in 2019
Greenville Open House (2025)
National Night Out
National Night Out is held on the first Tuesday in August every year. This event is a way to bring neighbors and law enforcement together. For more information, visit National Night Out website.
Parades
Appleton Memorial Day Parade (2014)
Kaukauna Christmas Day Parade (2019)
Trainings and Exercises
CERT participates and attends in many trainings and exercises throughout the community. This helps CERT develop and enhance their response capabilities. CERT's involvement in trainings and exercises ranges from:
- Being victim role players
- Providing rehab
- Assist as runners for exercise coordinators
- Providing moulage (*Moulage definition - creating fake but very realistic injuries using special makeup. First responders use moulage during training to practice helping people who look hurt.)
- Testing their own capabilities.
Training and exercises that CERT have participated in:
- Damage Assessment Training
- Appleton International Airport Full-Scale Exercise
- Active Threat Drills
- Friends and Family Reception Center Drills and Workshops
- Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) Drill
- American Red Cross Shelter Training
- Outagamie County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Trainings and Exercises
Friends of CERT (FoCERT)
FFOCERT is a 501c3, non-profit, non-member Wisconsin organization. Our board has nine persons including an OC EM staff member. The Mission of FoCERT is to help raise funds to support the Outagamie County CERT program. The goal is to then provide small items such as safety gear, food, and hydration for on-scene responders.
FoCERT also supports disaster preparedness training for community members. FoCERT help fund CERT's outreach events throughout the County and continuous training for CERT members.
To connect with our FoCERT board, please email them at outagamiefocert@gmail.com
How to Become a CERT Member
New to CERT?
To become an Outagamie County CERT member, you must complete the CERT Basic Class when it is hosted by the County. To be put on the waitlist for the next Outagamie County CERT Basic class, click the link below!
Already a CERT Member?
If you are a returning Outagamie County CERT member or have taken a CERT Basic Class outside of Outagamie County, please contact the CERT Coordinator to get you involved in our team!
Connect with Us
CERT Coordinator Email -paula.vandeleygraaf@outagamie.org
Additional Resources
To learn about CERT at the Federal level, visit Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) CERT website.
For general preparedness information, visit Ready.gov.