Emergency Services

Volunteer Opportunities
CERT - MRC - Citizen Corps - EMST

 CERT

 The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills.

 Training consists of 20 hours of instruction on topics that include disaster preparedness, fire safety, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster psychology.

Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.

For Example, in a large-scale emergency or disaster situation where the first response system is overwhelmed and delayed, CERT members will provide initial assistance in their homes, neighborhoods, and local communities until first responders arrive and incident command is established.  CERT’s may also be activated for use in support of non-critical functions, allowing first responders to be utilized in other, more critical areas.

CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

Upon completion of the training, participants are encouraged to continue their involvement by participating in training activities and volunteering for projects that support their community’s disaster preparedness efforts.

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MRC

 The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Program coordinates the skills of practicing and retired physicians, nurses and other health professionals as well as other citizens interested in health issues, who are eager to volunteer to address their community's ongoing public health needs and to help their community during large-scale emergency situations.

For example, MRC volunteers may deliver necessary public health services during a crisis, assist emergency response teams with patients, and provide care directly to those with less serious injuries and other health-related issues.

MRC volunteers may also serve a vital role by assisting their communities with ongoing public health needs (e.g., immunizations, screenings, health and nutrition education, and volunteering in community health centers and local hospitals).

For additional information on either the CERT or MRC programs, or to apply, contact Emergency Services Deputy Director Dan Dowdy at (231) 689-7354, or email esdeputydirector@co.newaygo.mi.us .  You may also apply on-line.

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Citizen Corps

The CERT and MRC programs are partner programs with Citizen Corps, a national network of volunteers dedicated to ensuring hometown security. Citizen Corps, along with AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and the Peace Corps are part of the President's USA Freedom Corps, which promotes volunteerism and service nationwide.

By participating in Citizen Corps programs, you can make your home, your neighborhood and your community a safer place to live. To find out more, please visit the Citizen Corps Web site, www.citizencorps.gov or visit www.fema.gov.

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West Central Michigan Emergency Management Support Team (EMST)

The West Central Michigan Emergency Management Support Team (E.M.S.T.) is composed of the department staff and volunteer personnel from Newaygo and Osceola Counties. EMST is focused on developing volunteer emergency personnel to  support local   emergency / disaster response.  The E.M.S.T. is established as a Type IV N.I.M.S. E.O.C. Support team with members trained and designated for the following critical duties:

• Support Emergency Operations Center and Incident Management responses as EOC Support Staff

• Contribute to the capability of the local emergency plan through planning and project implementation

• Participate in local emergency preparedness exercises, and capability activities

• Support the emergency management department as auxiliary operational personnel

EOC Support Team Task Force (4-6 personnel)

1 Supervisor and 3-5 personnel to act as ‘assistant’ support officers for EOC Management, Direction & Control, Warning, Communications, Damage Assessment, Public Information, or Resource Management)

EOC Support Team Strike Team (4-6 personnel)

1 Supervisor and 3-5 personnel to be dedicated to any ONE emergency plan function (Direction & Control, Warning, Communications, Damage Assessment, Public Information, Resource Management)

Over the last year, the team has supported emergency responses, participated disaster exercises, trained extensively in emergency operations, and have conducted an extensive re-drafting of local emergency plans. 

For their efforts in these activities as well as their success in supporting EOC Damage Assessment Operations during the June 2008 FEMA DR1777 Storm, WCM-EMST was recognized as the Michigan Emergency Management Association (MEMA) Volunteer of the Year.

For additional information about the West Central Michigan Emergency Management Support Team or to volunteer your expertise contact the Newaygo County Emergency Services Director, Abby Marek at (231) 689. 7354.

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