Concordia Emergency Response Team (CERT)

The Concordia Emergency Response Team (CERT) is made up of university staff and student volunteers that assist during evacuations and other emergencies that may occur in their building.

CERT is organized into building teams that consist of a team leader and team members, who are assigned specific areas within a building for which they are responsible for evacuation or assistance during emergencies.

Training

To become an Emergency Responder members agree to participate in the following training.

• First-aid & CPR.
• Emergency procedures orientation.
• Fire extinguisher training.
• Evac-Chair use.

Learn more about training

Responsibility of a CERT member

As a CERT member your primary duties will be during a building evacuation or for a Shelter in Place emergency. You may also be called upon for other emergencies such as first-aid or to support emergency operations during a disaster.

During a building evacuation:

• Inform the people in your building that they must evacuate.
• Direct them to the nearest emergency exit stairwells.
• Verify that everyone has been evacuated and, if possible, close every door that has been left opened.
• If smoke is present in hallways, instruct people to stay low and make their way to the nearest safe exit.
• Assist those who require help to the nearest exit.
• Assist mobility impaired persons to evacuate using an Evac-Chair.
• Assist other responders trying to contain a fire by using a portable fire extinguisher.
• Report to the CERT team leader in the lobby and provide the status of your assigned area; await further instructions.
• If assigned to monitor a door, ensure no one re-enters the building until the all clear is given.
• Instruct people to move away from the building.

Responsibility of a CERT team leader

CERT team leaders coordinate CERT team activities during a building evacuation or for a Shelter in Place emergency. Your team may also be called upon for other emergencies such as first-aid or to support Emergency Operations during a disaster.

During a building evacuation a team leader will:

• Report to Security and assist with emergency operation
• Receive status reports from team members.
• Advise Security of the ongoing evacuation status by the CERT team.
• Coordinate CERT team activities as required.
• Maintain a log of CERT activities.
• Maintain accountability of team members.

CERT prevention and preparedness

Cert also has a preparedness and prevention element. We encourage CERT members to inform co-workers about emergency procedures as well as individual preparedness. Also, CERT members should be aware of their areas of responsibility and report any hazards or deficiencies with respect to emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, fire alarm systems, emergency phones…

If you are interested in becoming a member of CERT, contact the Senior Advisor on Emergency Management.