Grays Harbor County CERT

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What is CERT Training?

In the basic training course is a combination of classroom work and hands-on exercises. The course concludes with a simulated disaster in which the students demonstrate their skills with live "victims".You learn skills to help your loved ones and community in the greatest time of need. 


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December 17 2022


Re: Public release announcement:

I am sorry to announce that the Grays Harbor County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) has voted to disband and will no longer be affiliated with the Grays Harbor County Department of Emergency Management. Though the county DEM has been a sponsor of CERT, the board feels we ae no longer able or willing to work with the current Emergency Manager/Deputy Director. We are currently looking for other sponsors who would like trained volunteers in an auxiliary such as city emergency managers, fire departments and police departments. It would be a great asset to departments to for volunteer auxiliaries and continue to have a pool of helping hands even though CERT is no longer an option in the county at this current time. 







Are you ready???

If you were told right this moment to grab a bag and leave your home within 5 minutes could you? Do you know what to pack? Did you forget important information???? Well there are many things we would love to take but in a rush we may forget what we actually need. Packing a :GO" bag is vital to you and each person in your family. You can visit Ready.gov for more info but here are some tips to help you get started.

1) Each person (and pet) in the family needs a backpack or duffel bag

2) take photos of all the rooms in your home and your valuables. Store them on a flash drive, hard copy etc. and keep them in your bag.

3) scan your important documents onto a flash drive to keep in your bag.

       driver license

       deed to house

       Will

       insurance

       medical records/medication list

       passport

       ssi info

       birth certificate

       personal contacts

       your pets medical records

This is all very personal information so keep it as secure as you possibly can when you are storing your copies of these things. Never trust your information to be held by someone else.

4) add essential items to your bag to help you get through a few days. Water, non-perishable food, hygiene needs, first aid needs, flashlight, batteries, clothes, boots, pet supplies, diapers etc. 

5) pet crate AND leash ... pets get scared and will run no matter how much they love you, fear can take over. Having a secure crate for them with a toy and a blanket will help them stay safe and a bit less scared.   

6) cash (ATMs may not work during a disaster.) 

7) Glasses/contacts

8) Misc items:

    whistle to signal for help

    dust mask

    moist towelettes, garbage bags/plastic bags for personal sanitation

    wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

    manual can opener

    maps

    cell phone, charger and battery charger backups

    fire extinguisher

    waterproof matches

    paper cups/plate, knife, fork, spoon

    sleeping bag


9) make yourself a list of the last second things you would need to grab in the event of an emergency. DO NOT wait until there is an emergency to search for things. PRE-PLAN!!

If you wish to sign up to become CERT trained please click on the "training course link" for more information.

The best way to help in your community is to be prepared. Pack a "go bag" for each person and your pets if you have to evacuate your home. Have at least two weeks supplies of food, water, medications and basic needs in case you are cut off from services and asked to remain in your home. Have a plan. Do your family members know meet up locations? Do you have an out of area contact that everyone knows to check in with in the event of a major disaster? Do you have a well stocked first aid kit in your home and vehicle? Plan today for your possible needs of tomorrow. It is always better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.