From Suuva-Tai
CERT program at the State of California

As our communities are beset by the COVID-19 Virus, we must make sure to take proper precautions within our programs.  This document includes a list of resources and general guidance for CERT programs.

Please note that we are not encouraging CERT Programs to deploy their CERT volunteers.  The choice to deploy CERT volunteers for preparedness or disaster activities is determined by the CERT Program’s Sponsoring Agency.

The Governor has asked for everyone to stay at home if they can.  Please make sure to practice social distancing if you are in public.

COVID-19 Resources

Below is a list of COVID-19 Resources.  Please feel free to share this within your CERT Program and community.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the National Lead Agency for COVID-19.  Visit their COVID-19 site for up-to-date information and guidance, including information for community organizations and community gatherings:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.  Follow CDC’s Twitter and Facebook for additional information:

  • Twitter: https://twitter.com/CDCgov
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CDC

California Department of Public Health

California Department of Public Health, CDPH, is the lead state agency for COVID-19.  Visit their website for additional COVID-19 information:  https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019.aspx.

California COVID-19 Website

The State of California has established a website for COVID-19.  Visit https://covid19.ca.gov/ for additional information regarding the COVID-19 situation in California.

 

Additional websites with useful information

The following includes a list of websites with useful information on COVID-19

 

The following includes guidance specific to gatherings

The Centers for Disease Control, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and California Department of Public Health have released a handful of relevant and informative resources below:

 

What is the role of CERT programs during this crisis?

First, and foremost, CERT programs must take and follow direction from their sponsoring agency.  While many CERT volunteers may be eager to act, they should only do so in an organizational capacity as dictated by their Sponsoring Agency.  The situation around COVID-19 is changing rapidly and new federal, state, and local guidance and orders are changing daily.  This information may not trickle down to the CERT program level quickly; therefore, CERT programs and members may not be operating with the latest information.

CERT Sponsoring Agencies that wish to deploy their CERT volunteers to assist with COVID-19 activities should follow their normal protocols for activation and for the health and safety of the volunteers.  This means:

  • CERT Volunteers should be properly trained for the tasks they are asked to do.
  • CERT Volunteers should have the proper personal protective equipment.
  • CERT Volunteers should be pre-screened to ensure that they are fit for duty.

 

CERT Activities

CERT volunteers are capable of performing a variety of tasks to assist with disasters.  Here is a list of common COVID-19 activities that CERT Volunteers can perform.

Share accurate information and safety precautions for CORVID-19

CERT volunteers can be instrumental in sharing COVID-19 information.  This includes the information listed in the COVID-19 Resources section above.  CERT volunteers can share this information using social media, phone communications, emails, and word of mouth.

Welfare checks and errands

Many community members are at risk during this crisis.  CERT volunteers can help conduct welfare checks on community members via phone or in-person.  CERT volunteers can also help gather information on community members that need assistance.  For example, CERT volunteers can call community members and generate a list of needed items for the Meals on Wheels program.

Food Bank and Distribution

Many food banks are ramping up their capacity to serve community members during the COVID-19 crisis.  These foodbanks are in desperate need of volunteers to help sort, prepare, and serve food and food supplies.

Phone Bank/Hotline Services

Many local jurisdictions have stood up hotlines and/or phone bank services to provide information to the community regarding COVID-19 information and support services.  CERT Volunteers can help man these phone lines.

Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Program

The Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Program (DSWVP) was created as the result of legislation to provide workers’ compensation benefits to registered Disaster Service Worker (DSW) volunteers who are injured while participating in authorized disaster-related activities, including pre-approved training. Disaster service, as defined for the Program, is designed to aid in the response and recovery phases in a disaster or emergency. It does not include the day-to-day emergency response activities typically associated with, for example, law enforcement, fire services or emergency medical services. The Program also provides limited immunity from liability.

The Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Program Guidance has been updated to include COVID-19 response activities.  For more information, please visit the DSWVP website at: https://www.caloes.ca.gov/cal-oes-divisions/administrative-services/disaster-service-worker-volunteer-program.  All normal guidance and protocols for the program must be followed.

The State Lead for the Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Program is:

Don Glueckert

Program Lead
Desk: (916) 845-8328
Fax: (916) 845-8394
donald.glueckert@caloes.ca.gov

 

General Guidance for Volunteers

Many CERT members are eager to volunteer during this time of crisis.  Whether it is for their CERT program or other organization, it is important that CERT members and other volunteers adhere to the following general guidance for volunteering:

  • DO NOT attempt to volunteer for any activity if in the last 14 days you have:
    • Traveled to any foreign country or to cities with large numbers of COVID-19 infected individuals
    • Been on a cruise or been in an airport
    • Been around anyone who has COVID-19
    • Been to an event where more than 250 people were in attendance
  • DO NOT show up to volunteer for any activity without confirming that there is a need for the activity, that it will be conducted, and that volunteer support is needed and expected.
  • DO register with state and/or local volunteer databases to enter your capabilities and availability or find volunteer opportunities that may be available in your area.
  • BEFORE arriving for a volunteer shift, call ahead to the service agency and ask if any additional safety precautions should be taken before, during and after the shift.
  • ALLOW extra time for additional screening from volunteer organizations or agencies to make sure you are cleared to volunteer for the task.
  • EXPECT that shifts or opportunities may be cancelled; especially volunteer opportunities working with the vulnerable populations. Please be gracious and understanding.
  • DO practice universal infection control precautions.  Clean and wash your hands before, during, and after volunteering.
  • DO clean any used spaces thoroughly before and after, including table-top surfaces and door knobs/handles.
  • DO use proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if needed for the task.
  • DO maintain 6-10 foot separation from others while conducting the task.
  • ASK about any risk that may be associated with the task and DO NOT take part if you are uncomfortable with the level of risk.

If you have any questions please contact me at suuva.tai@caloes.ca.gov.

Thanks