On
July 13, 2013 the Tacoma Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) along with
Tacoma Emergency Management and Tacoma Fire orchestrated the annual CERT
refresher training. Certified Tacoma CERT Volunteers started the day with
an “Emergency Call Out Drill”. The volunteers were alerted to report to
the Tacoma Fire Training Center prepared to respond to a simulated earthquake
event.
After arrival at the Training Center, the participants received an overview
outlining the capabilities of HAM Radio and possible ways Hams can be utilized
in an emergency support role. A demonstration of the radios and a drill
testing the operator’s ability to relay situational information from their
location to a central communications point for further dissemination was
conducted. The team also practiced using tactical call signs in a
Community Point of Distribution scenario which stressed the importance of
relaying critical information between locations. Later in the day, CERT members
reviewed and refreshed their Search and Rescue skills along with their Cribbing
techniques. During this one day event staff and volunteers where able to
enhance skills, build teamwork and identify future training needs.
