How to Stock Community Emergency Response Team Supplies

Hurricane Katrina illustrated that local assistance is critical to keeping communities safe. Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) are the key to quick response in times of widespread emergency when first responders, such as firefighters and police, may take hours or even days to arrive. This article provides step-by-step instructions for stocking supplies for CERT team volunteers.

Things You'll Need

• Spare clothing and shoes Backpacks Hard hats Work gloves Goggles (chemical, vented) Light sticks Safety vest (reflective) Dust masks Duct tape Chalk stick Solar blankets Vented masks Rubber gloves Knee pads Wrench Rubber mallet Flashlight (solar or with batteries) Whistle Pry bar Rope Water First aid supplies Healthy snack bars MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) Rain poncho or top and pants Plastic tarps Pack of latex gloves Package of plastic trash bags (garden-size) Stretcher (optional) Cot Blankets Books, games and a few toys

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Instructions

• 1

  Print the list from this page or use the list from the link below as your shopping list for the CERT supplies. Purchase a sturdy backpack for each family member and two heavy-duty storage containers. If containers are larger than 40-gallons, select storage units with wheels.

• 2

  Label the backpack and containers. Purchase CERT patches or print "CERT" on each backpack with a permanent marker. These packs should not be used for anything other purpose than CERT storage. Write "CERT" on each storage tub.

• 3

  Pack the backpacks according to emergency use. In outside pockets place work gloves, flashlight, goggles, light sticks, chalk stick and extra batteries. On the bottom place the tarp, spare shoes, extra clothing and the pry bar. The next layer of the backpack should include the solar blanket, dust mask, safety vest and tools. Place the medical supplies in next, and put the hard hat on the top to protect any liquid items. Hook the whistle on the backpack strap. Wrap the rope loosely over the top of the backpack.

• 4

  Pack the tubs; water, food, another tarp and plastic bags should be stocked in one of the large plastic tubs. Place the blankets, toys and books in the second storage container.

• 5

  Find a secure location to store the CERT supplies. This place should be above ground and easily accessible. Put the tubs on the bottom, and place the backpacks on top. Cots and the stretcher (optional) should be stocked in the same place. Some CERT volunteers place a duplicate backpack in cars or trucks for emergency use.

• 6

  Restock the supplies. The water should be rotated every 3 to 6 months. Liquid medical supplies, as a rule, should be restocked every year. Check all expiration dates and restock food items as necessary.